Chittagong – Unity of Nature and Machine

A September 1999 trip to Chittagong by gazi shahid

The green hills and forests and the broad, sandy beaches of Chittagong always attract tourists. On the other hand, Chittagong is the country’s main port and is the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium, and light industry.

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Chittagong is the second largest city of Bangladesh and a busy international seaport. It is called the commercial capital of Bangladesh.

With a picturesque hinterland of large hill-forests and lakes, Chittagong is a good vacation spot. Its green hills and forests; broad, sandy sea beaches; and fine, cool climate always attract holidayers. It combines the hum of a restless seaport with the pleasure of a charming hill town with its undulating topography.

Chittagong is the country’s main port and the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium, and light industries. The only steel mill and only oil refinery of Bangladesh are located in Chittagong.

Chittagong has a long and honorable tradition of hospitality. Almost all the houses in this town seem to be prepared for a large contingent of guests arriving at any hour of the day; at least, judging by the large dishes of delicacies served on a casual visit.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN CHITTAGONG:

FOY’S LAKE: It is an artificial lake built in 1925. It is wonderful site in Khulsi, almost in the heart of Chittagong. In a total area spanning more than 336 acres, Foy’s Lake meanders through an endless stretch of hills. This ideal spot for outings and picnics is thronged by thousands of visitors.

PATENGA BEACH: Sandy beach at the meeting place of the roaring sea and the river Karnaphuli. It is the most popular and, probably the most well-known, Chittagong tourist site.

SECOND WORLD WAR CEMETERY: In this well-preserved cemetery, a quiet and picturesque place, lie over 700 soldiers from commonwealth countries and Japan.

SITAKUNDU: about 40km from Chittagong. This is famous for the Chandranath Hindu temple and the Buddhist temple. There is a hot water spring 5km to the north of Sitakundu.

ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM: A unique treasure house of a variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh.

COURT BUILDING: Situated on the fairy hill, this building commands a magnificent bird’s eye view of Chittagong city, particularly at night.

SHYRINE OF BAYAZID BOSTAMI: This holy shrine attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At the base, there is a large pond with several hundred tortoises floating in the water.

Other important places of interest: the Chittagong University campus, Shyrine of Shah Amanat, Laldighi, port area, Portuguese Arsenal, Marine Academy, and Bhatiari and Biponi Bitan.

Quick Tips:

If you go to Chittagong, don’t forget to taste Bakhor Khani, bela biscuit, and the strong shutki, dry fish.

Bet you didn’t know that the people of Chittagong use a soap named 1937 to wash their clothes.

Don’t stay at Foy’s Lake or Patenga Beach after sunset.

Best Way To Get Around:

Chittagong is connected with Dhaka by rail, road, air, and water. It is also connected with Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh) and Calcutta (India) by air. For inland travel, rickshaws and baby-taxis are available.

What wars do for mankind? It only destroys. It destroys land, buildings, environment, peace, happiness and conscience and above all hundred/thousand/millions of lives.

The Second World War destroyed vast land and lives. 751 martyrs of this war lie here in the Chittagong War Cemetery. The cemetery is in the heart of Chittagong city. It is near Mehedibag. The silence and scenery of this holy place attracts everyone. The 7 acres land is rounded with hills and covered with flower gardens. Average 300 visitors come here daily. It is open for visitors from 7am to 12am, and 2pm to 5pm.

To keep the holiness of the place nobody should sit on the yard. Commonwealth War Grave commission maintains the cemetery. Headquarter of the commission is in London, England.

Of the 751 martyrs 378 are British, 25 Canadian , 9 Australian , 2 Newzealand, 11 East African, 86 West African, Mynmar 2 , Dutch 1, India 214, Japanese 19. All this warriors died in Burma war (1941-1945). The only female martyr lies here is a nurse of the Royal Army Sister Olive Me Jin.

576 of the martyrs are Christian, 149 Muslim, 19 Buddhist, Hindu 5, Shikh 1, and Jew 1.

Every year many visitors and officials come from Japan, Australia and Britain. They remember the martyrs with tears.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by gazi shahid on November 9, 2006

About the Writer

gazi shahid
gazi shahid
BOALMARI, Bangladesh

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