Cities of Bangladesh- Chittagong
Chittagong is the port city with a population of 1,750,000 (1986 est.). It is the commercial and manufacturing center of Bangladesh. Situated on the Karnaphuli river some 19 km (12 mi) from its mouth at the Bay of Bengal, it is the chief port of the country. It provides an extensively developed port facilities for ocean steamers.
Chittagong District Map (Click to Enlarge)
An ancient city, Chittagong passed from Tippera (Buddhist) dominance to Arakan (Hindu) and then Mogul (Muslim) rule, with periods of re-conquest and re-control. The Portuguese made inroads in the 16th century, and the British gained control in 1760.
Industries powered by a hydroelectric plant up the river, use the products of the area--jute, cotton, rice, tea, petroleum (from offshore installations), and bamboo. The bamboo is harvested chiefly from the Chittagong Hill tracts. 13,191 sq km (5,093 sq mi) of rugged, thickly forested land along the Bay of Bengal is inhabited by primitive mountain tribes.
Chittagong has a picturesque setting. Its green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine cool climate always attract holiday makers. It combines the hum of a restless seaport with the pleasure of a charming hill-town with its undulating topography. It attracts tourists from around the world. It is surrounded by the bay, the river, and hills high up to 1,200 m (4,000 ft) from sea level. Rainfall averages 2,870 mm annually. Average annual temperature is 26 deg C (78 deg F).
PLACES OF INTEREST :
Shrine of Bayazid Bostami : This holy shrine of saint Bayazid Bostami attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base there is a large pond with several hundred tortoises floating in the water.
World war II Cemetery : In this well-preserved cemetery at quiet and picturesque place lie buried over 700 soldiers from commonwealth countries and Japan.
Foy's Lake : Set amidst panoramic surroundings with an intercourse of hills and lakes this is an ideal spot for outings and picnics.
Ethnological Museum : A unique treasure house of 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 that gives a panoramic look at night.
Patenga and Fouzdarhat Sea Beaches: Patenga beach is about 22 Km. from Chittagong and is approachable by a motorable road. On the way to the beach one passes the Patenga Airport. Another ideal picnic spot is the Fouzdarhat sea beach about 16 km. from Chittagong.
Sitakunda : About 40 km. from Chittagong. This is famous for the Chandranath Hindu Temple -one of the oldest temple in the subcontinent and the Buddhist Temple having a footprint of lord Buddha. Jhese places particularly the hilltops are regarded as very secred by the Hindus and Buddhists. Shiva Chaturdashi festival is held every years in Feloeuary when thousand pilgrimus assemble for the celebration which lasts about ten days. There is a hot water spring 5 km. to the north of Sitakunda.
