Chittagong: A Visit to Skyscraper City – Bangladesh

If you thought all Bangladesh was about was about was archaic temples and dusty back streets then think again. Amid the bustling throngs of beggars and buyers lies a vibrant infrastructure that’s worth taking a look at.

Chittagong, the second largest city of Bangladesh and a busy international seaport, is an ideal vacation spot that you may have overlooked. Described by the Chinese traveler poet, Huen Tsang (7th century A.D) as a “sleeping beauty emerging from mists and water” Chittagong is full of green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and a comfortable cool climate, it almost seems out of place with the image most tourists have of Bangladesh.

The newest jewel in the crown of Chittagong is the Zia Memorial Complex which just opened at the end of May.

Visitors will get chance of enjoying replica’s of the country’s many archaeological sites including the national assembly (Jatiya Sangsad) building, Central Shaheed Minar, Curzon Hall, Ahsan Manzil, Darbar Hall, and South Gate of Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, St Nicolas Church in Gazipur, Kantaji Temple in Dinajpur, Buddhist Temple in Paharpur, Chhota Kutir and Bara Kutir in Rajshahi and Shat Gambuj Mosque in Khulna.

A number of rides for the children, including cable car and electric train, also have been set up in the complex, in addition to a still-under-construction 52-meter-high watchtower, which will house a revolving restaurant and provide a breathtaking view of the city.

Back in the real world, Chittagong boasts the Shahi Jama-e-Masjid and Qadam Mubarak Mosque — two of the most impressive buildings in the city. It is also worth visiting the Ethnological Museum in the Modern City which has interesting displays on Bangladesh’s tribal peoples.

Chittagong — like the capital city of Dhaka — is going through massive infrastructure development. There are plenty of high-rise buildings, shopping malls, and commercial plazas being constructed. Work has started for a twin tower (20 storied) world trade centre. All this work in progress has given Chittagong the new nickname of “Sky Scraper City”.

For great access to places to stay, sleep, and eat…check out the many related travel and hotel links on Bangladesh.com…it will be time well spent.