Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world and the poverty is visible everywhere. The roads are not well maintained, there are lots of street children begging. Many expats move to Bangladesh to work for one of the many international retailers who have factories in the country and others come to work for NGOs. There is quite a large expat population living in the country. We’ve put together useful info to help you settle in and find your way around.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
Dhaka Club Limited
Dhaka Club Ltd. is the oldest recreational organization and the largest of elite clubs in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Address: Ramna, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 9671960,+ 880 9672620, +880 9663965
Fax: +880 29672639, +880 29672623
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dhakaclubltd.com
Uttara Club Limited
The Uttara Club is one of the latest of the clubs that have come up in Dhaka and by now has its own premises on nearly 1.5 acres of land in Sector # 1 of Uttara, with 1376 members (including 48 Foreign National Members).
Address: Plot # 6, Road # 9, Sector # 1, Uttara Model Town, Dhaka – 1230, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 8920641, +880 8913143
Fax: +880 28920642
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ucl.com.bd
International Schools
Aga Khan Education Services (AKES)
The Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) has a long tradition of leadership in educational development. The foundations of the present system were laid by Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III, under whose guidance over 200 schools were established during the first half of the 20th century, the first of them in 1905 in Zanzibar, Gwadur in Pakistan and Mundra in India.
Curriculum: British, IGCSE, A levels
Address:
Primary Building - Road 9, Sector 4, Uttara Model Town, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
Junior Building - Road 6, Sector 4, Uttara Model Town, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
Senior Building - Road 6A, Sector 4, Uttara Model Town, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
Tel (Primary Building): +880 2 895 0029, +880 2 891 4042
Tel (Junior Building): +880 2 892 0481, +880 2 892 0482
Tel (Senior Building): +880 2 895 9722, +880 2 791 4538
Website: www.agakhanschools.org/bangladesh/aksd/default.asp
Australian International School, Dhaka
AusIS is the first overseas school to be affiliated with the prestigious Association of Independent School of Western Australia (AISWA) and is currently working toward full endorsement with AISWA.
Curriculum: Australian
Address:
Campus 1 Early Childhood to Year 3 - S.E.A/5, Road no.- 135, Gulshan - 1, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Campus 2 Year 4 to Year 7 - 2B, Road no.- 84, Gulshan -2, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Campus 3 Year 8 to 12 - House no.- 17, Road no.- 99, Gulshan -2, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Tel (Campus 1): +880 2 9881259, +880 2 8831905, Mobile: +880 1711567236
Tel (Campus 2): +880 2 8831904,+880 2 9892614, Mobile: +880 1713486813
Tel: (Campus 3): +880 2 8881344, Mobile: +880 1762001083
Website: www.ausisdhaka.net
Chittagong Grammar School
CGS an associate member of the Round Square organization of International schools.
Curriculum: British
Address: House Numbers 8 & 9 B,Road No-83,Gulshan-2,Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh.
Tel: +880 2 8826373, +880 2 8826775
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.chittagonggrammarschool.com
Grace International School
High-quality child-centered primary education based on a British curriculum in a Christian environment for expatriate children in Bangladesh.
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Address:
Grace Early Years - House 187, Road 69, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
Grace Primary School - House 1, Road 63, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
Grace Secondary School - House 11, Road 6, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
Tel (Early Years) - +880 171 3049 952
Tel (Primary) - +880 2 9851101, Mobile: +880 181 9237 109
Tel (Secondary) - +880 2 8814469, +8802 8810088, Mobile: +880 175 5582 355
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.graceinternationalschool.org
International School Dhaka
ISD is an international and co-educational day school, founded in 1999, that was built to accommodate students from Playgroup to Grade 12. The school provides a high-quality international education for both the local and the international community.
Curriculum: MYP, PYP, International Baccalaureate.
Address: Plot 80, Block E, Bashundhara R/A, (Opposite Apollo Hospital), Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 840110, +880 8402878
Mobile: +880 1 819231100
Fax: +880 2 8401622
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.isdbd.org
International Turkish Hope High School
I.T.H.S. tries its best to introduce modern methods and techniques in teaching and education according to international standards. It also tries to build a bridge between Bangladeshi and Turkish educational community.
Curriculum: IGCSE, GCE
Address: Bangladesh Plot:07, Road:6, Sec:4 Uttara, Dhaka-1230, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 8956999, +880 2 8963722
Fax: +880 2 8954242
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ithsbd.net
Oxford International School
Oxford International School (OIS) is an English medium co-education School following the academic programme of the University of Cambridge, UK up to GCE O and A Level.
Curriculum: British
Address: House # 34, Road # 27 (old), Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 9115392, +880 2 9145587
Fax: +880 2 9145560
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oisbd.net
Scholastica, Dhaka
Address: House 3/D, Road 2/A, Block J, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 8815222, +880 2 9887277
Fax: +880 2 8813141
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.scholasticabd.com
Local News in English
News from Bangladesh
NFB is a Daily interactive On Line News Monitoring (aggregated, News Service) site in English, focusing mainly on Expatriate Bangladesh, but not limited to such. This site monitors major news events on Bangladesh, news pertaining to Bangladesh and on other important global issues
Website: www.bangladesh-web.com/news
The Daily Star
The Daily Star established its place in the media scene of Bangladesh on January 14, 1991. It started its journey with a sense of challenge and a feeling of humility to serve this nation as a truly independent newspaper. The newspaper made its debt at a historic time when, with the fall of an autocratic regime, the country was well set to begin a new era towards establishing a democratic system of government which eluded Bangladesh for too long.
Website: www.thedailystar.net
Country Information
Location: Asia
Capital City: Dhaka
Other Important Cities:
Currency: Taka ( BDT )
Language: Bengali (Bangla)
Calling Code: +880
Internet TLD: .bd
Electricity: The country runs on 220V 50Hz. The electricity supply in Bangladesh is rather unreliable and only about half the population are connected to the grid. Dhaka Electric Supply Company is a private company that provides electricity in the city.
Address: 22/B, Faruque Sarani, Nikunja-2, Dhaka – 1219, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 8900110, +880 2 8900111
Fax: +880 2 8900100
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.desco.org.bd
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance
Fire: 199
Police: 999
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh
Country Study
lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/bdtoc.html
Embassy Information
www.bangladesh.com/embassies
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Certain nationals are required to have a visa to enter Bangladesh. These must be arranged through the embassy or consulate of Bangladesh in your home or host country. There are different visas available which depend on the nature and duration of your visit: tourist, business, employment/work, NGO, student, investor, missionary, diplomatic, journalist, and researcher.
Documents for Visa Application
- Passport with minimum 6 (six) months validity.
- Filled-in visa application (DIP Form-4). (Incomplete application will be returned without visa.)
- Visa fee
- Two recent photographs (size: 45 mm x 35 mm)
- Self-addressed pre-paid registered envelope or return pre-paid courier.
- Relevant supporting papers depending upon the purpose of visit.
For more information please visit www.bhcanberra.com/visa.php
Accommodation
Expats live in a bit of a bubble in Bangladesh, while most of the country is very poor, those that live in the posh expat areas have the benefits of having a full time cleaner, cook and nanny. People also rely on a driver to get around.
The three most popular expat areas are Gulshan, Baridhara and Banani. Gulshan is now home to a number of the city's restaurants, shopping centres, schools and members' clubs. The neighbourhood also hosts the majority of embassies and high commissions in Dhaka. Northeast of Gulshan, across Gulshan-Baridhara Lake, you will find the affluent area of Baridhara. This is a specialized zone designated for diplomats with many foreign embassies and high commissions situated here.
Real estate agents are useful in securing accommodations in Bangladesh. Your local employer can make this arrangement. Most expats live in apartments, as they are most popular type of housing in the more affluent areas. The rent in these upscale areas is realistically affordable for someone on an expat package.
Driving License
Foreign visitors intend to drive should hold an International driving permit. A valid International driving permit is valid in Bangladesh until it expires, thereafter you may have to take the Bangladeshi driving test, or apply for a new international driving permit. Most expats choose to hire a driver and a car as it is more comfortable to be driven around, especially given that the road conditions leave much to be desired. For more information on obtaining a driving license or international driving permit in Bangladesh please visit: www.brta.gov.bd/index.php/international-driving-permit
Healthcare
Health and education levels remain relatively low, although they have improved recently as poverty levels have decreased. The poor health conditions in Bangladesh are attributed by the lack of healthcare and services provision by the government. Routine vaccinations are advised before travelling to Bangladesh. Also make sure to acquire a comprehensive medical insurance.
Insurance Companies
Bangladesh Insurance Company
Established in 1985 as the first general insurance company in private sector, BGIC has since developed substantially with all the strengths and details prudently essential of an insurance company.
Address: 42, Dilkusha C/A Motijheel Dhaka, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 9555073, +880 2 9555074
Fax: +880 2 9564212
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bgicinsure.com
Delta Life Insurance Company Limited
Address: Delta Life Tower (2nd Floor), Plot # 37, Road # 45 (South) & 90 (North), Gulshan Circle – 2, Dhaka – 1212, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 8823322
Fax: +880 2 8831739
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.deltalife.org/index.html
People’s Insurance Company Limited
Peoples Insurance Company Limited is proud to stand beside its' valued customer and the general People of Bangladesh when they are in disaster. The company is always a friend of its valued customer through its business responsibility and also through its corporate social responsibility.
Address: (15th Floor), 36, Dilkusha C/A, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 9564166, +880 2 9578319
Fax: +880 2 9564166, + 880 2 9578320
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.peoplesinsurancebd.com
United Insurance Company
United Insurance Company Ltd. (UICL) is a Public Limited General Insurance Company (Non-Life) maintaining the traditional values of insurance business since commencement in 1985. The Company transact a wide range of General Insurance business in Bangladesh including Health Plan Scheme and has gradually developed goodwill and expertise in the field with sound and stable financial position.
Address: Camellia House, 22 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 8619336, +880 2 9667999, +880 2 8631447
Fax: +880 2 8622330
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.unitedinsurance.com.bd
Hospitals
Square Hospital
Square Hospitals Limited, a concern of Square Group is a 320-bed tertiary care hospital. The hospital is an affiliate partner of Methodist Healthcare, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, SingHealth, Singapore, Bangkok Hospital Medical Centre, Thailand and Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.
Address: 18F, Bir Uttam Qazi Nuruzzaman Sarak, West Panthapath, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 8159457, +880 2 8142431
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.squarehospital.com
United Hospital
United Hospital Ltd was borne out of a vision to provide a complete and one-stop healthcare solution to the people of Bangladesh. Opening its doors in August 2006 and situated besides the picturesque Gulshan Lake, this hospital is one of the largest private sector healthcare facilities in Bangladesh. With a capacity to house over 450 patients and established across a total covered area of over 400,000 sq. ft., the hospital has 11 state of the art operation theatres to cater to the needs of our varied patient base.
Address: Plot 15, Road 71, Gulshan , Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Tel: +880 2 8836444, +880 2 8836000
Fax: +880 2 8836446
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.uhlbd.com
Apollo Hospitals Dhaka
Apollo Hospitals Dhaka is the only JCI Accredited 450-bed multi-disciplinary super-specialty tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh, confidently providing comprehensive health care with the latest medical, surgical and diagnostic facilities. These services are provided by expert medical professionals, skilled nurses and technologists using state-of-the-art technology. It is an eleven-storied building built on four acres of land with 435,000 square feet floor space, which was constructed with assistance of renowned architecture company Smith Group, USA. The hospital is a joint project of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited and STS Holdings Limited (STS Group).
Appointment & Emergency: 10678
Address :Plot: 81, Block: E, Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
PABX: (02) 8431661- 5
Fax: (02)-8431679, (02)-8431161, (02)-8431691
For general enquiries:[email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apollodhaka
Website: apollodhaka.com
