United News of Bangladesh

Travelling during the summer in Bangladesh often comes with a major challenge: the persistent heat wave. Scorching temperatures, humidity, and overcrowded destinations make conventional holiday plans uncomfortable and exhausting. Amid such conditions, the need for cooler travel destinations becomes essential, especially during Eid vacation, when relaxation is a priority. Quiet retreats surrounded by greenery, water, or hill breezes offer a welcome break from the sweltering weather and festive rush. Let’s explore 10 peaceful Eid summer escapes across Bangladesh that offer both comfort and tranquillity. 10 Summer Getaways in Bangladesh for the Eid Celebration . Hill of China Clay, Netrokona Tucked away in Bijoypur, Durgapur, in the Netrokona District, ‘China Matir Pahar’ presents a rare geological charm in the northern part of Bangladesh. Positioned close to the Meghalayan border, the area offers scenic glimpses of distant Indian hills, enriching the visual appeal of the terrain. The hills themselves are modest in height but carry a distinct sense of adventure. Climbing to the top rewards visitors with a quiet, elevated view, simple yet striking. Nearby, the Blue Water Lake gently mirrors the surrounding slopes, its still waters tinted with a soft, soothing blue that adds to the tranquil setting. Read more: Wales’s Stream in the Sky: World’s Tallest Navigable Aqueduct Pontcysyllte Unlike other Eid destinations, this retreat remains largely untouched by crowds, making it ideal for a peaceful holiday escape. It's well-suited for a single-day outing, with a timely return before nightfall. Regular train and bus services leaving Dhaka ensure convenient access, with train travel offering a more economical choice. New Zealand Para, Khagrachari A village called ‘Pankhaiya Para’ lies just within one and a half kilometres from the Khagrachari district headquarters. It blends seamlessly with parts of nearby Perachhara, creating what locals fondly refer to as ‘New Zealand Para.’ The road linking the two villages carries the fitting name New Zealand Road. This area presents the district’s sole stretch of true plain land, yet it rests in graceful harmony with surrounding emerald hills. Croplands ripple toward the horizon, while distant waterfalls and a murmuring river animate the scene. White clouds drift across a cobalt sky, and newly built homesteads nestle between slopes. They complete a panorama reminiscent of the South Pacific countryside. Khagrachari can be reached directly by bus from Dhaka. From the town centre, a short ride by CNG or auto-rickshaw can take visitors to the New Zealand Para. The celebrated Hazachhara waterfall lies close at hand and may be added to the same day’s excursion. Read more: Smiling Quokka Turned Rottnest Island into a Global Tourist Hotspot Niladri Lake, Sunamganj Sunamganj offers a magical combination of rewarding sights. Among these, Niladri Lake in Tekerghat, Tahirpur Upazila, stands out as a priority destination. Also known as Shaheed Siraj Lake, it captivates with still waters, scattered stone beds, and glimpses of Meghalaya’s hills on the horizon. Located close to the renowned Tanguar Haor, many visitors combine both sites into one seamless trip. The natural symmetry between the lake, hills, and haor creates a tranquil experience. Reaching the location is straightforward. A direct bus journey from the capital to Sunamganj and a short autorickshaw ride complete the journey to Niladri Lake. Boga Lake and Sangu River, Bandarban Tucked into the hills of Bandarban, both Boga Lake and the Sangu River present landscapes that blend silence with spectacle. Sangu, with its ever-winding course through dense green hills, offers one of the most captivating river journeys in the country. A boat ride across its glassy surface feels almost surreal, as if chasing a hill that never arrives. Read more: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh Boga Lake, resting at 1,246 feet above sea level, contrasts with its stillness and myth. Encircled by deep green highlands, the lake draws attention not just for its beauty but also for local legends surrounding a mythical dragon. Reaching this remote lake involves a rugged ride on a 'Chander Gari.' Cottages near Boga Lake offer lodging options, making overnight stays feasible. A lakeside barbecue amid the hills is a popular Eid activity. For those seeking more, a trek to Keokradong, one of Bangladesh’s highest peaks, awaits, provided time and stamina align. Bichnakandi, Sylhet Gowainghat's Bichnakandi presents a spellbinding travel destination, located about 40 km from Sylhet City. Here cascading waters meet rocky riverbeds in a serene embrace. One stream flows from the base of India’s Khasi Hills into the Piain River, while another has carved its own natural course. Small river islands, dotted with houses, add an ethereal layer to the already surreal landscape. Distant mountains seem to shield this little paradise, enhancing its seclusion. Passing through the Sylhet Airport Road bypass, you can reach Hadarpar within about two and a half hours. A one-hour boat ride from there leads to Bichnakandi. To experience the area in full, nearby sites like Barahil, Panthumai Falls, and Lakshanachara are worth including. Read more: City Guide to Bangkok, Thailand for Bangladeshis Khoiyachora Falls, Mirsharai Hidden deep within the folds of Mirsharai, Khoiyachora Waterfall flows through nine distinct cascades, each echoing its rhythm. The sound of rushing water reaches as far as Thakurda Dighi, while the journey leading to it unfolds like a living landscape. The enthralling village trails, narrow bamboo bridges, and forest-carved paths will gradually lead you upward across four hills. Every step forward feels like stepping away from the noise of modernity. The soothing murmur of water blending with chirping cicadas and rustling leaves can remove your stress from routined life. Bathing beneath the falls offers a sense of renewal, while a night in a tent under firefly light and full moon glow will leave lasting impressions in the travellers' minds. Access begins with a bus from Dhaka to Chittagong, getting off at Baratakia Bazar near Khoiyachora Ideal School. Alternatively, intercity trains can drop travellers at Feni station. From Mahipal, local buses take visitors to the school, where a CNG ride marks the final approach to Jhiri, the beginning of the trek. Read more: City Guide to Kathmandu, Nepal for Bangladeshis Tea Garden and Lawachhara, Moulvibazar Sreemangal and Kamalganj Upazilas hold a distinct charm, enriched by the Manipuri community and their traditions. Nature and heritage seamlessly coexist here. Kamalganj, a tourism hotspot, houses Lawachhara National Park, one of Bangladesh’s few evergreen forest reserves. Its wild trails lead to the remote Hamham waterfall, while the tranquil Madhabpur Lake and Adampur forest showcase the region’s biodiversity. The surrounding region boasts Hakaluki Haor, Madhabkunda Falls, Baikkabil bird sanctuary, Gagan Thila, and the floating village of Antehari. From tea gardens in Mathiura to the iconic seven-layer tea in Sreemangal, the area is layered in diversity. Travellers can reach Sreemangal by bus or train originating in Dhaka. From there, Kamalganj is accessible via local transport. Kaptai Lake in Rangamati As the largest man-made lake in South Asia, Kaptai Lake appears like a stretch of sky trapped in water. Surrounded by green hills and dotted with waterfalls, the lake offers quiet grandeur. Read more: Safety Precautions for Traveling on Buses or Public Transport at Night A boat ride across its vast expanse becomes a meditative experience. With nothing but sky above and deep green below, the stillness feels infinite. The famed suspension bridge and the cascading Shuvolong waterfall mark its signature sights. After reaching Chittagong from Dhaka, travellers can take a Kaptai-bound bus from Baddarhat Bus Stand to reach Rangamati. Chalan Beel, Natore Spanning parts of Natore, Sirajganj, and Pabna, Chalan Beel stands as Bangladesh’s largest pond (beel). It is a combination of small wetlands that merge into one vast sheet during the monsoon. The true beauty of this wetland emerges during the rainy season. The journey begins in the heart of the capital, with a Rajshahi-bound bus best exited at Kachikata in Natore. From there, Khubjipur village near Chachkoir Bazar offers the most vivid view of this sprawling beel. The Chalan Beel Museum, located nearby, adds context to the region’s ecological and cultural depth. Read more: Top Reasons Why London Is Tripadvisor's Best Travel Destination for 2025 Don't miss Natore’s signature Kachgolla. Here you can experience an exclusive local sweet treat and create an unforgettable memory. Nikli Haor, Kishoreganj Scattered settlements resemble floating islands, while boat rides reveal scenes of fishing nets, shimmering water, and wetlands brimming with natural beauty. The Nikli Upazila of Kishoreganj is a heavenly place where the haor becomes a stage for bringing sky, water, and village life together. Visitors often spot nightshade groves rising gently from the water. Freshly caught fish from the haor are a culinary highlight for many. Trains from Dhaka reach Manikkhali or Gachihata stations, just before Kishoreganj Sadar. From either of these points, Nikli is about 14 kilometres away. You can reach there by local transport like a bike or CNG. Read more: Visa-free Travel for Bangladeshi Passport Holders in 2025: Top Destinations to Explore Alternatively, you can reach Katiadi Upazila by bus. Arriving at the Katiadi bus stand, it will take about a 22km ride by CNG to reach the haor’s gateway at Nikli Sadar. Bottom Line Ten stunning travel destinations promise serene summer escapes for peaceful Eid celebrations across Bangladesh. China Clay Hill, New Zealand Para, Bichnakandi, and the serene trails of Tea Gardens and Lawachhara whisper nature’s calm. Niladri Lake shimmers beside the rugged charm of Boga Lake and the winding Sangu River. Khoiyachora Falls roars through hills, while Kaptai Lake reflects a vast green silence. Chalan Beel stretches in monsoon glory, and Nikli Haor floats in still, watery wonder. These exotic tourist spots within Bangladesh can offer quiet, scenic, and mysterious experiences during the Eid vacation. Read more: Langkawi Travel Guide 2025: Top Things to Do in Malaysia’s Jewel of Kedah

Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest natural sea beach is witnessing a massive surge in tourists as the extended Eid-ul-Fitr holidays bring in thousands of visitors. The sandy shores of Laboni Point, Sugandha Point, and Kolatoli Point are teeming with holidaymakers, creating a vibrant carnival-like ambiance. Tourists are indulging in various beach activities—some riding the waves on jet skis, others floating on inflatable tubes, while families and friends relax under colorful umbrellas, savoring the tranquil ocean breeze. Hotels Nearly Full Booked Abul Kashem Sikder, President of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel, Motel, and Guesthouse Owners’ Association, said around 90% of accommodations in more than 500 hotels, motels, and resorts were booked in advance. Sylhet braces for 15 lakh tourists this Eid amid booming business prospects “Our establishments can host up to 187,000 guests per day, and the demand is exceptionally high this Eid season,” Sikder said. Robin, a tourist from Dhaka, said Cox’s Bazar is the top destination for Eid holidaymakers as it offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation by the sea. Enhanced Safety Measures for Tourists To ensure a safe beach experience, the Sea Safe Lifeguard organisation has deployed 27 trained lifeguards at Sugandha, Kolatoli, and Laboni Points—the busiest sections of the beach. Imtiaz Ahmed, Field Team Manager of Sea Safe Lifeguard, said, “Our teams are on high alert, and we are running awareness campaigns to prevent accidents during sea bathing.” Sajek, Khagrachhari open to tourists after month-long restriction Additional DIG Apel Mahmud of Cox’s Bazar Tourist Police said help desks have been set up at key points, and patrols have been intensified in coordination with district police to ensure security. “Our goal is to ensure that every tourist enjoys a safe and hassle-free vacation and returns home with happy memories,” he added.

Government employees in Bangladesh are going to enjoy an extended holiday during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr due to additional public holidays and weekend holidays. The government has already announced a five-day holiday for Eid but additional public holidays and weekends will extend the holidays. On October 17, 2024, the council of advisers approved the list of 26 holidays in 2025, including a 5-day holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr. As per the list, the official Eid holiday will begin on March 29 and continue until April 2. The holiday stretch extends further due to other scheduled holidays. March 28, the day before the official Eid holiday, falls on a Friday, which is a weekend, and also coincides with the public holiday for Shab-e-Qadr. Proper use of long Eid vacation can ensure smooth travel: Experts Besides, March 26 is a public holiday for Independence Day and only March 27 (Thursday) is a working day before the Eid holiday begins. After the Eid break, offices will reopen on April 3 (Thursday), but the following two days—April 4 and 5—are Friday and Saturday. This means that within an 11-day period from March 26 to April 5, government offices will be operational for only two days—March 27 and April 3. No security risk ahead of Eid, Independence Day celebrations: Home Secretary Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be observed on March 31, depending on the sighting of the moon. As the long break approaches, authorities are urging people to plan their travel accordingly to avoid hassles on roads during the festive period.

The Eid journey of holidaymakers will be hassle-free and comfortable this time if the long spell of the Eid-ul-Fitr’s vacation can be utilised properly to address the severe crisis of public transport, observed speakers. Speaking at a discussion titled ‘Ways to overcome concerns of highway robberies, mugging and road accidents during Eid journey,’ organised by Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity (BJKS) at the CRAB auditorium at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Monday. No security risk ahead of Eid, Independence Day celebrations: Home Secretary Representatives from Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation, BRTA, Highway Police, civil society and student representatives attended the discussion. Stressing the importance of properly managing the extended Eid holidays, the organisation’s Secretary General Mozammel Haque Chowdhury said around 15 million people would be traveling from Dhaka and surrounding districts to their hometowns during Eid, while an additional 30 to 35 million people would be commuting between different districts nationwide. Around 75% of these travellers would use road transport, 17% waterways, and 8% railways. To minimise travel difficulties, he called for a coordinated effort to prevent passenger harassment, overcharging of fares and incidents of highway robbery, mugging and road accidents. According to the BJKS’s data, 399 road accidents occurred during last year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, resulting in 407 deaths and 1,398 injuries. Police to strengthen vigilance countrywide during Eid: IGP Over the past nine years, Eid-ul-Fitr alone has witnessed 2,377 accidents, claiming 2,714 lives and injuring 7,420 people. The association urged intervention from transport owners’ associations, workers’ federations, police, and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to prevent similar incidents this year. Focusing on safety concerns in the railway sector, speakers noted that 83% of coaches and 60% of locomotives were outdated, while 82% of railway crossings remained unprotected, increasing the risk of derailments and accidents, demanding strict action against black-market ticket sales and passenger harassment. Besides, the association called for measures to curb excessive fare collection, passenger harassment at ports, and exploitation by private leaseholders in ferry terminals. Mohammad Saiful Alam, secretary general of Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, blamed mismanagement and planning flaws for the rising travel chaos and road accidents, assuring of strict measures to prevent overcharging during Eid travel. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation President Abdur Rahim Box Dudu urged the authorities to regulate battery-operated three-wheelers and motorcycles, emphasising the need for stricter control to ensure road safety. He also vowed that the workers’ federation would stand by passengers and address complaints promptly. BRTA Director Mohammad Shahidullah said that BRTA would enforce strict measures against unfit vehicles and deploy vigilance teams in all 64 districts to monitor fare violations. He emphasised that collaboration among passengers, transport owners, workers’ unions, and law enforcement agencies would ensure a safe and smooth Eid journey. Highway Police DIG (Operations) Md Shafiqul Islam revealed that authorities identified 1,443 people involved in highway robberies and launched operations against them. He informed that 340 operation teams remain deployed across 3,900 kilometers of national highways, urging passengers to keep the highway police hotline handy, assuring a response within 15 minutes. The DIG also encouraged expatriates traveling home with luggage to seek assistance from highway police for added security. Some key recommendations include strict enforcement against unfit vehicles during Eid travel, mandatory high-quality helmets and protective gear for motorcycle passengers and restrictions on carrying luggage on highways, inclusion of Passenger Welfare Association representatives in vigilance teams monitoring fare anomalies, eviction of unauthorised slow-moving vehicles from national highways ten days before Eid to reduce congestion and accidents. The recommendations also include deployment of additional personnel at highway toll plazas to prevent artificial traffic jams, pre-Eid highway patrolling by police and intelligence agencies to prevent robberies and muggings, replacing on-spot vehicle document checks, activation of intelligence agencies to curb passenger harassment, drugging gangs and black-market ticket sales. Speakers at the discussion included former Election Commission Secretary Dr Muhammad Zakaria, women's rights activist and Principal of Dhaka Ispahani College Rafika Afroz, BJKS Publicity Secretary Mahmudul Hasan Russel, and student representative Rezaul Islam were, among others, present at the discussion.

Dhaka city is still to get its usual look though the city dwellers have started returning to the capital after holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh. The bustling capital looked empty with most of the roadside shops, shopping malls closed and few public and private vehicles plying the streets in the morning. The government, semi-government, and private offices including banks and financial institutions opened today but there was a low presence of employees. Officials and staff were seen exchanging Eid greetings with colleagues by embracing each other. A small number of buses and private vehicles were seen plying the streets in Malibagh, Shantinagar, Gulshan, Firmgate , Dhamondi, Mirpur  and Shahbagh areas in the morning. Read more: Delicious Bhorta Recipes for This Pahela Baishakh Md Yousuf, an employee of a private bank, said, “Still a festive environment is prevailing in the city. There is no traffic jam or chaos on streets. It took me only 6 minutes to reach Gulshan from Rajarbagh area by car that usually takes 30 to 40 minutes on the other regular days due to traffic congestion. It’s a temporary relief for Dhaka dwellers.”  On the occasion of Eid, April 10, 11, and 12 (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) were public holidays. After Eid, there was a weekly holiday on Saturday, April 13, and a Bengali New Year holiday on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh on Sunday, April 14. However, many of the government and private sector workers who went outside Dhaka to celebrate Eid took optional leave. As a result, it will take a few more days to start the proceedings in full swing in the offices, courts, banks, and stock market. Besides, schools and colleges will also open next week. Then the capital will return to normal. Read more: No respite from heat wave in five days: BMD

Eid-Ul-Fitr stands as a beacon of joy, marking the end of Ramadan with its festive spirit and the promise of cherished moments spent with family. As schools close and work pressures ease, families find themselves with a precious opportunity to reconnect, create, and celebrate together. This period of togetherness is not just about observing traditions, it's about making new memories that will be treasured for years to come. Below are ways to infuse creativity and joy into your family's Eid celebration, ensuring every moment is filled with warmth and delight. A guide to meaningful family bonding and fun during Eid-ul-Fitr Bonding over Eid delicacies: Inviting the whole family into the kitchen to prepare Eid specialties is a recipe for bonding. The act of cooking together, assigning tasks that suit each age group, and later savoring the dishes you've created side by side, turns meal preparation into a celebration of collective achievement and familial love. Festive home makeover with children:  Decorating your home for Eid with the help of your children not only beautifies your space but also kindles the creative spirit in your little ones. Encourage them to craft Eid-themed decorations, such as paper lanterns and homemade cards, transforming your home into a vibrant celebration of the festival's joy. Read more: Eid Shopping: Popular Bangladeshi Clothing Brands for Families Culinary adventures at children-friendly restaurants:  Eid is the perfect excuse to take a break from kitchen duties and indulge in the pleasure of dining out. Select restaurants that not only offer a diverse menu to cater to all tastes but also provide an engaging environment for children, such as play areas or interactive meal activities. This combination ensures a stress-free dining experience where the focus is on enjoying each other's company and making mealtime memorable. The beauty of henna: Gathering together for henna application is more than just a beauty ritual; it's a shared cultural experience that strengthens bonds. This tradition, rich in artistry and significance, becomes a cherished moment of connection and celebration among family members. Handcrafted Eid cards and gifts: Nurturing your children's creativity through the creation of handmade Eid cards and gifts for loved ones not only keeps them engaged but also teaches the value of thoughtful giving. This activity allows them to express their feelings through art, making the holiday more personal and meaningful. Read more: Sky-high Laughs with a Hint of Turbulence: 'Crew' starting Tabu, Kareena, Kriti Takes Off! The excitement of Eidi: The giving and receiving of Eidi encapsulate the essence of Eid's joy for children, offering a tangible connection to the festivities. This tradition not only brings smiles to their faces but also instills in them the values of generosity and gratitude. Picnicking under the open sky: Planning a family picnic combines the beauty of nature with the joy of togetherness. Selecting a picturesque spot where the kids can play and explore while the adults relax and chat is a simple yet profound way to celebrate Eid, surrounded by the beauty of the world. Rediscovering the joy of reading together:  Introducing children to the magic of stories is a gift that keeps on giving. Whether it's through the vibrant pages of picture books for the little ones or the compelling chapters of novels for the older kids, reading together opens up new worlds of imagination. A family trip to the library can become a treasure hunt, seeking out titles that will become the next bedtime favorites or spark lively discussions around the dinner table. Read more: Some Popular Bookstore and Reading Cafes in Dhaka

This year Bangladeshis are looking forward to a long Eid vacation. And a long vacation calls for a perfect getaway plan. What if we told you that you could plan an Eid vacation in the serene mountains of Bhutan or Nepal or the tropical paradise in the Caribbean, that too visa-free? Sounds too good to be true? Well, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.  Visa-free Eid Vacation Destinations for Bangladeshis Bangladeshi passport currently allows visa-free entry to 19 countries, visa on arrival in 16 countries, and electronic travel authorization in 2 countries. We’ve picked 10 such destinations to plan your Eid vacation.  Visa Free Entry Bhutan  The “land of the thunder dragon,” Bhutan has been a long-term key ally for Bangladesh. With its breathtaking valleys, mountains, and gorges, Bhutan can be a perfect destination to spend your Eid vacation.  Bhutan provides visa-free entry to Bangladeshi passport holders. Meaning you won’t need anything other than your ticket to enter the country.  Read more: Shopping in Dubai: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Start your itinerary at Paro Valley where the iconic Paro Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest is situated. Consider visiting Punakha Valley, Bumthang Valley, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa, and Phobjikha Valley based on your days.  While in Bhutan, don’t forget to try iconic local cuisines like Ema Datshi, dumplings, Hoentoe, and Jasha Maroo.  There are several public transports available in the country alongside guided tours. Accommodation in hotels will cost anywhere between 20 to 300 USD or 2195 to 32395 BDT per night (1 USD = 109 BDT). Read our Bhutan travel guide for more detailed information. Bahamas  Now let’s fly off to the Caribbean in the beautiful tropical archipelago of the Bahamas. The country offers visa-free travel to Bangladeshi passport holders similar to Bhutan.  The must-visit places in the Bahamas include Nassau, Paradise Island, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Harbour Island, And Andros Island.  Bahamas is all about seafood delicacies. The local cuisines include conch salad, Bahamian rock lobster, fish stew, and Johnny cake. Getting around the archipelago is relatively easy with taxis and rental cars. The cost of accommodation can range between 100 to 400+ USD or 10977 to 43907 BDT per night. For more information check out the detailed Bahamas travel guide. Dominica  Another great vacation option in the Caribbean for Bangladeshis is Dominica, more commonly known as the ‘Nature Island of the Caribbean’.  Some of the exciting places to visit in Dominica are the Emerald Pool, Boiling Lake, Morne Diablotin National Park, Champagne Reef, and Trafalgar Falls.  While on the island, relish your taste buds with Callaloo Soup, Lambi, Breadfruit, Bouyon, and Mountain Chicken.  Traveling around Dominica is the same as the Bahamas; taxis and car rental are your best options. Though there are several public buses available in limited routes. Accommodation per night would cost anywhere between 50 to 200+ USD or 5488 to 21958 BDT.  Read more: Shopping in Singapore: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Fiji  Fiji is another stunning destination located in the South Pacific. The archipelago is known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs, and thriving cultural heritage.  A trip to Fiji should start at the turquoise water and white beaches of the Mamanuca Islands. From there the tourists can go island hopping in Yasawa and Denarau Island. Suva, the capital city of Fiji is a thriving location holding onto its colonial heritage.  Must-eat food items in Fiji include Kokoda, Rourou, and Palusami. And if you’re looking for some Bangladeshi twist, try their lamb curry which is inspired by the South Asian Mutton Karahi.  Ferries, inter-island flights, and rental cars are your best options for travel. Accommodation will cost anywhere between 50 to 300+ USD or 5488 to 32395 BDT per night.  Read more: How to Avoid Scams During Travel Bookings Visa on Arrival   Nepal  The small country at the foot of the Himalayas is home to the mighty Everest. Beyond that, there’s a rich cultural heritage and eclectic cuisines to be explored in this mountainous country. Bangladeshi passport holders will get a visa on arrival in Nepal.  The best places to visit in Nepal include Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and the Everest region. If you’re looking for some spiritual upliftment, visit Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for being the birthplace of Lord Buddha.  Bangladeshis would feel right at home in Nepal as their staple food is Dal Bhat. Besides, there are Momos, Thukpa, Sel Roti, and Dhido.  There are several public and tourist buses available along with taxis for transportation. Accommodation per night should cost between 5 to 50+ USD or 548 to 5488 BDT.  Read more: 10 Overseas Places Bangladeshis Can Visit Under BDT 10,000

The frantic rush of home-goers reached its peak in the city on Thursday as thousands of people headed their village homes to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with their loved ones. Bangladesh celebrates Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest religious festival of Muslims on Sunday. The four-day Eid vacation begins on Friday. As it was the last working day for the government and semi-government officials and employees before Eid, lakhs of home-goers were seen departing the capital by buses, trains and water vessels enduring all the troubles of travelling. The bus terminals, Kamalapur Railway Station and the Sadarghat Ferry Terminal witnessed huge crowd since afternoon with the holidaymakers waiting for their transports to reach their desired destinations. All the trains, many buses and launches leaving Dhaka were packed like sardines. Many passengers alleged that the bus operators are charging extra fares taking the advantage of the shortage of vehicles to meet the demand of huge holidaymakers.  The vacation exodus will continue until Saturday, a day ahead of Eid,  says General Secretary of National Committee to Protect Shipping, Road and Railways Ashish Kumar Dey. As schools and other educational institutions remained closed, many left for homers  early to avoid hassles, he said. Read: Trading in Eid cattle markets yet to gain momentum Replying to a question, Ashis Kumar said more than one crore people are expected to leave the city for celebrating the Eid in their respective village homes. “Around 30 lakh people have already left Dhaka since July 5.” He said more than 25 lakh people, mostly government and semi-government officials and employees and their family members, were supposed to leave the city by Thursday night, while 35 lakh will go to their village homes by Friday and the rest by Saturday night. At Gabtoli bus terminals it was seen that the long-distance buses were leaving the inter-district terminal almost timely since Thursday morning. “The pressure of passengers has increased in Gabtoli bus stand in the evening.  So far, there is no report of schedule disruption of long-distance buses till Thursday evening,” said Assistant Commissioner of Traffic (Darus Salam) Iftekharul Islam. He said buses have been leaving the terminal smoothly without disrupting any schedule of departure times, he added. Superintendent of highway police (Cumilla) Rahmatullah said though there was a huge flow of outgoing vehicles from Dhaka to Chattogram on Dhaka-Chattogram Highway from Daudkandi Bridge, there is no traffic tailback on the 4-lane highways from Thursday morning to 8:30 pm. He said an additional number of highway police remained deployed at different strategic points alongside an adequate number of patrol teams to ensure the safety of passengers and maintain discipline. A senior officer of Highway police (Gazipur) said the Dhaka-Tangail road remained smooth in the afternoon, except for tailbacks near Bangabandhu Bridge in the morning. The southern district-bound passengers this time are going to their village homes smoothly, thanks to the newly opened Padma Bridge. Additional SP (Srinagar circle) of Munshigangj Tanvir Hadider said holidaymakers were reaching their destination smoothly through the Padma Bridge and Dhaka-Mawa expressway. “Vehicles on both sides of the bridge have been running smoothly as no tailback was seen from the morning to till 7:00 pm.” However, the Mawa launch terminal witnessed very few passengers unlike past Eid festival as many holidaymakers are going through the Padma Bridge.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed banks to ensure uninterrupted ATM, POS, internet banking, online e-payment gateway and MFS services during the Eid-ul-Azha vacation. The payment system department of BB on Thursday issued a circular in this regard and sent it to the top executives of all the banks, mobile financial service providers, payment service providers and payment system operators. The circular asked banks to arrange uninterrupted service of Automated Teller Machine (ATM), Point of Sale (POS), internet banking, online e-payment gateway and Mobile Financial Service (MFS) along with adequate manpower to solve instantly if trouble arises during the vacation. Also read: BB tightens belt on forex reserve, bans import credit on luxury items It  also asked banks to keep enough money at the ATM booths , ensure security measures at the ATM outlets, set up note checking machine at the POS to avert the fake notes in the cattle markets across the country and other payment points to serve the traders and other customers.  Banks have to ensure Two Factor Authentication (2FA) for card based payment, card not present payment, said the circular. MFS providers asked to ensure enough money at their agent point so that people can get service (Cash in and cash out) during the period. Also read: BB asks banks to keep branches open in Dhaka cattle market areas on July 8,9 Besides, the central bank has asked banks and other payment gateway operators to take additional cautionary measures to stop any kind of forgery and scam during the Eid-ul-Azha vacation.

Bangladesh Bank has asked  banks to ensure uninterrupted online transaction across the country during the Eid vacation. Md. Mesbahul Hoque, General Manager, Payment System Department (PSD) told UNB on Thursday that the central bank has instructed banks to ensure enough security for payment systems including ATM booths and internet payment gateways. The central bank said that banks have to keep enough money along with an uninterrupted support team for Automated Teller Machine (ATM), Point of Sale (POS), internet banking, online e-payment gateway, and mobile financial service (MFS). Also read: BB enhances working capital loans limit for export-import trading For ATM, the BB instructed to have enough money along with tightened security, service instantly if problems arise any of ATB booths, and keeping equal quantity in On-Us and Off-Us transaction level. In internet banking, the BB asked banks to ensure Two Facto Authentication (2FA) for account to account payment, online e-payment gateway and ‘card not present’ transaction system. In MFS, the BB instructed MFS provider’s banks and their subsidiaries to keep enough money to their agent/ service points to meet uninterrupted transaction service for the customers in the Eid vacation period. Also read: BB re-fixes MFS money transaction limit to ease payment during Eid Besides, the BB asked banks to aware the customers regarding forged notes, higher protection measures to prevent financial scam or crime and strengthen cyber security in every sector as well as inform customers instantly of any kinds of inaction reports. The banks are also instructed to keep an active helpline round the clock and to provide solutions of problems to the customers instantly.