Avoid these common tourist mistakes when traveling to Bangladesh

From the pristine beauty of Cox's Bazar Beach to the historic Sundarbans and the ancient city of Bagerhat, there is so much to explore in Bangladesh. To make your trip smooth and enjoyable, it is important to keep in mind the social rules in this country.

"We have prepared a useful list of some common tourist mistakes to avoid. Using our tips, your trip will be great," writes the NewsBytes website.

Islamic customs

Avoid any form of disrespect for Islamic customs. Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country, which emphasizes great respect for Islamic customs. If you sing a song during the azan, the call to prayer, it will undoubtedly cause surprise. During Ramadan, the month of fasting, eating in public is considered inappropriate. You will notice that roadside restaurants also remain closed.

Avoid public displays of affection

As in most places in India, it is considered impolite to openly show affection. It is better to refrain from kissing or hugging in front of others. Otherwise, you may be called shameless. Or worse, your intimate moments may be filmed and shared on the Internet. To prevent embarrassment, it's best to keep expressions of affection private and save it for a more appropriate environment.

Dress code: do not wear revealing clothes

Modesty and appropriate dress are highly valued due to the country's predominantly Muslim population. Girls are generally expected not to wear dresses that are too revealing. However, society is evolving and attitudes towards clothing and gender roles are changing. Visitors can purchase a local salwar kameez; they are readily available and well suited for the heat and humidity.

Stay away from political rallies

General elections are scheduled for January 2024. There have been large political rallies and protests that are expected to continue after the election. For your safety, it is recommended that you avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place to ensure your security. Stay informed by following the local media as they can provide up-to-date information on ongoing demonstrations.

Do not greet with a handshake

Bangladeshis often start a conversation with the greeting "Salaam" or "Adab". They are not very used to shaking hands with strangers or unfamiliar people. A comfortable distance is usually maintained when they stand and talk to each other. However, in urban areas, the practice of greeting and shaking hands is gradually becoming more common.

Travel Wise previously wrote about the most common traveler mistakes that New York Times columnist Seth Kugel warns readers about.