United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s economy is under growing pressure as GDP growth slows, foreign investment declines and unemployment rises, raising concerns among economists and industry insiders that the economy could face long-term instability without urgent reforms. According to the latest World Bank report, GDP growth for the current fiscal year may drop to 3.3 percent, the lowest in two decades. At the same time, the Ministry of Finance reports that foreign investment fell by over 70 percent in the first six months of FY2024-25. The World Bank’s April publication ‘Bangladesh Development Update’ warns that by 2025, an additional 3 million people may fall into poverty, driven by weak investment and growing internal challenges. Dr Anu Muhammad, a former professor of economics at Jahangirnagar University, said public frustration is rising due to prolonged economic difficulties. “After the fall of the Awami League, many corrupt business groups and money launderers fled. That was a major opportunity to restructure the economy, but it was missed. The same pattern of economic management continues, and it has yielded no positive results,” he said. Industrial Police data shows nearly 100 factories in Gazipur, Narayanganj-Narsingdi and Savar-Dhamrai have shut down permanently, leaving more than 60,000 workers unemployed. Economy eyes gradual growth with steady recovery in key sectors: Finance Ministry Investigations reveal that many investors during the Awami League regime are now in jail, have gone into hiding or fled the country. Due to lack of funds and fewer purchase orders, these factories were forced to cease operations. “More than a hundred factory closures have rendered hundreds of thousands unemployed,” Dr Anu Muhammad added. “Many who fled after closing factories had enjoyed undue privileges during the previous government. While the beneficiaries should be held accountable, not ensuring alternatives for the workers shows poor judgement. This will have a direct impact on the economy.” Instead of focusing on increasing national capacity, the proposed national budget appears to raise dependence on imports. Ignoring domestic industries and relying on foreign imports will deepen the crisis, the economist observed. Cash flow continues to decline in factories still in operation, coupled with an energy crisis. Shortages in fuel supply relative to demand and limited bank financing are bringing uncertainty to the industrial sector. Ashraf Ahmed, Director of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), said, “Running factories with imported LNG are becoming extremely difficult. Most factories are suffering due to fuel shortages. When production drops, the economy suffers directly. From 2012 to 2022, private sector credit flow was strong. Now that flow has weakened. Factory owners have no capital, production has stalled, workers are not getting paid, and the economy is spiralling into disorder.” He added, “Although law and order has improved somewhat, other sectors remain unstable. Many banks are now so weak they cannot provide funds to businesses. At the same time, borrowing at high interest rates of around 16 percent makes doing business highly risky.” Industry representatives said gas shortages have halved production in many factories. To address this, the Energy Division is planning to increase LNG imports. Yet, with no new gas fields discovered and growing reliance on imported LNG, the situation is worsening. Bangladesh’s failure to explore the potential of 26 offshore blocks in the Bay of Bengal has added to the problem. A senior Petrobangla official, requesting anonymity, said, “During the Awami League regime, international tenders were floated, but no company showed interest. The new government extended the bidding period, but still received no response. There is little hope of extracting energy from the Bay of Bengal anytime soon.” Towfiqul Islam Khan, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said, “Without political stability, attracting foreign companies will remain difficult. With elections approaching, no company will commit to a new agreement without policy guarantees. The government should provide a clear election roadmap and reach an understanding with political parties.” Khan stressed that regardless of any constitutional or electoral reform, the government must address the pressing issue of 2.1 million people who lost jobs in the past 10 months – 1.8 million of whom are women. Govt now focused on laying strong foundation of economy: Finance Adviser Mohammad Helal Uddin, Executive Vice Chairman of the Microcredit Regulatory Authority, said the current problems with investment, banking and energy are the result of longstanding mismanagement during the previous government. He said those now interested in investing are proceeding cautiously. The direction of future investments will depend on the policies of the post-election government. According to him, the economic missteps of the Awami League era will continue to take a toll in the coming months.

Bangladesh found themselves trailing 1-0 to Singapore at halftime in Tuesday’s match at the National Stadium. Despite passionate home support that filled the venue with chants and celebratory atmosphere hours before kickoff, the hosts struggled to find their rhythm in a difficult opening 45 minutes. Bangladesh, featuring debutant Shamit Som alongside key players Hamza Chowdhury and Fahamidul Islam, began the match assertively. In the opening twenty minutes, Fahamidul and Shakil Ahad generated several scoring opportunities. However, forward Rakib Hossain could not convert these chances. Singapore also created threats but failed to capitalize on early openings. By the 30-minute mark, the score remained level. Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma made a critical save from a Singaporean captain’s shot. For Bangladesh, Rakib narrowly missed a connection with a well-delivered pass from Shamit Som, who consistently initiated attacks. Women's Tri-nation Football: Bangladesh force higher ranked Jordan to play 2-2 draw Despite Som’s efforts, the team struggled with finishing. The match also saw Fahamidul Islam receive the first yellow card for a foul, and Tariq Kazi sustained two separate impacts, resulting in a bleeding lip. The deadlock broke in the 44th minute. Singapore penetrated the Bangladeshi defense. Goalkeeper Mitul failed to clear a punched ball, and following rapid exchanges inside the box, Singapore's Song Ui Young found the net. Hamza Chowdhury's late defensive sprint could not prevent the goal. AFC Asian Cup : Bangladesh to play home match against Singapore Tuesday At halftime, the scoreboard read Bangladesh 0, Singapore 1.

Shammit Som is making his debut against Singapore in the Asian Cup qualifiers. The Canadian-born midfielder is in the starting eleven. On the other hand, Jamal Bhuiyan has lost his place in the starting eleven today. There are two more changes in the starting eleven from the Bhutan match for today's match. Mohammad Hridoy has been replaced by midfielder Sohel, who scored in the previous match, and Shakil Ahad Tapu has returned to the starting eleven instead of left-back Taj Uddin. The eleven that will be in today's Singapore match are: Mitul Marma (goalkeeper), Hamza Chowdhury, Tariq Kazi, Rakib Hossain, Saad Uddin, Shakil Ahad, Shammit Som, Mohammad Hridoy, Shah Kazem, Fahmidul Islam and Tapu Barman.

Emphasising the need for an elected government, newly elected president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu has said there is no alternative to a people-mandated government to remove insecurity of investors. He made the remark while exchanging views with reporters at a hotel in Chuadanga district headquarters on Monday night. Forum secures clean sweep in BGMEA polls  “Currently, there is a caretaker [interim] government in the country, and investors are in uncertainty. The decrease in investment has created a kind of stagnation in the economy. Those who want to establish new industries or start a business are also waiting for an elected political government,” the business leader said. He said the sooner a legitimate government is formed through a credible election, the quicker the country’s economic momentum will be restored, investments will rise, employment opportunities will grow, and business will expand. The industrialist expressed the hope to establish a training centre in the district to equip unemployed youths with skills, enabling their integration into the industrial workforce.  BGMEA, AYAT Education, Integral Global Unite to promote wellness in RMG sector Managing Director of Sahid Group and President of the Bangladesh Business Chamber of Singapore Shahiduzzaman Torik, Managing Director of Zaman Group of Companies Asaduzzaman Asad, Chuadanga Press Club President Rajib Hasan Kochi, General Secretary Bipul Ashraf, journalist Hussain Malik and representatives from local media, were present at the meeting.

Bangladesh will play their home match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers against Singapore at the freshly renovated National Stadium in Dhaka Tuesday ( June 10) evening . The Group C match of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers between hosts Bangladesh and touring Singapore will kick- off at 7 pm (Bangladesh time)  while India will play their Group C away match against hosts  Hong Kong at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park, also on June 10 . Bangladesh team conceded 1-2 goal defeat against Singapore in home match in 2015.  After the first round Group C matches, all the four teams -- Bangladesh, Hong  Kong, India and Singapore--have secured one point each after playing goalless draw with each other. Ahead of the Tuesday' s battle, the morale of  Bangladesh national football team is now high than previous occasions with the inclusion of two Bangladesh origin highly rated booters--English Premier League playing defensive midfielder Hamza Dewan Chowdhury and Canadian national team and premier league playing midfielder Shamit Sho AFC U-23 Asian Cup: Bangladesh put in Group C with Vietnam, Yemen, Singapore   me.   The Italian league playing Bangladesh origin forward Fahamedul Islam, who made his debut for Bangladesh against Bhutan in the FIFA International friendly last week, also have chance to play against Singapore in Tuesday match  Moreover, confidence level of Bangladesh team is also very high after beating Bhutan by 2-0 goals in the FIFA Tier-1 International Friendly at home last week. Both the teams made their final practice session on Monday at the match venue with Hong Kong in the afternoon and Bangladesh in the evening. In a pre- match press conference at a local hotel on Monday, Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan said they are confident although Singapore is a more strong side and they have to perform and play better football tomorrow to win the match . FIFA chief hails expanded tournaments in AFC speech The Japanese Coach of Singapore team said, “Ranking will not be a factor in the Tuesday's  match, both the teams are of equal standard,  it will be a hard-fought match.

Former President Abdul Hamid returned home from Bangkok early Monday on a Thai Airways flight. He landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 1:25am, following medical treatment in Bangkok. According to a reliable source at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Abdul Hamid completed his immigration formalities and was later seen resting in the VIP lounge. He left the airport premises at around 3:10am under strict security measures, an officer of a leading intelligence agency posted at the airport told UNB. Earlier, on the night of 8 May last month, the former President had departed for Bangkok on another Thai Airways flight for medical purposes. His return comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding a case filed against him on January 14 this year at Kishoreganj Sadar Police Station.  The same case also names several high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader. The departure of Abdul Hamid following the filing of the case sparked widespread controversy and debate across the country.  

In keeping with Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, several villages in Basirshal, Sherpur, Jhenaidah and Kurigram districts are celebrating Eid-ul-Azha on Friday. In Barishal, several thousand families in Barishal city and surrounding areas observed Eid-ul-Azha early, in alignment with Saudi Arabia. The Eid congregation was held on Friday morning, followed by the ritual of animal sacrifice performed by devout Muslims. Eid exodus turns ordeal on crater-ridden Faridpur Highway In Barishal city’s Sagaridi Tajkathi Miyabari area, the main Eid prayer was held at 8:00 am at the Jahangiria Shahsufi Momtazia Central Jame Mosque. Hundreds of worshippers attended the congregation. In Ward No. 26 of Barishal city, more than a thousand families offered Eid prayers at the Chowdhuribari Shahsufi Momtazia Jame Mosque in Purbo Horinaphulia. Worshippers at the Jahangiria Shahsufi Momtazia Jame Mosque located at Haji Bari in Tajkathi under Ward No. 23 said that followers of the Chandnaish Darbar in Chattogram are observing Eid early at around 50 mosques across Barishal city and district. Those celebrating early Eid are followers of the Jahangiria Shahsufi Momtazia Darbar Sharif in Chandnaish, Chattogram. They observe Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, and other religious rituals in accordance with moon sightings from any part of the world. In Sherpur, Devotees and followers of the historic Sureshwar Darbar Sharif in Shariatpur celebrated the holy Eid-ul-Azha on Friday, in alignment with Saudi Arabia, without waiting for the national declaration. Eid Holiday Rush: Kuakata gears up to host thousands of tourists The main Eid prayer was held at 10:15 am in the Sureshwar Darbar Sharif premises. The congregation was led by Shah Sufi Syed Belal Nuri Al-Sureshwari. A second prayer was later held at the Darbar Sharif mosque, led by the mosque's imam. The Eid congregation was attended by spiritual leaders of the Darbar along with devotees from all six upazilas of Shariatpur, as well as followers from neighbouring districts including Chandpur, Munshiganj and Madaripur. At least 40 villages across Shariatpur’s six upazilas celebrated Eid today under the guidance of the Darbar’s religious leadership. In Kurigram, over 250 worshippers in Fulbari upazila of Kurigram observed Eid-ul-Azha on Friday. The main Eid congregation was held at around 9:00 am at Jelepara Jame Mosque under Fulbari Sadar Union. Locals in this area have been observing Eid and other Islamic festivals in accordance with Saudi Arabia for the past several years. Fulbari Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdus Salam said, “The Eid prayer at Jelepara Jame Mosque was held in line with Saudi Arabia. We took necessary steps to ensure law and order so everyone could celebrate without disruption.” In Jhenaidah, Muslims from several villages in Harinakundu upazila of Jhenaidah observed Eid-ul-Azha on Friday morning. The congregation was held at 8:00 am in the football field area of the upazila town. Organisers said they have been arranging Eid prayers in alignment with Saudi Arabia for several years. This year, devotees from Dakhilpur, Narayankandi, Boithapara, Boalia, Chotkabaria, Parfalsi, and Payradanga villages joined the congregation. Following the prayer, a special munajat was offered seeking peace, prosperity and well-being for the country, the nation and the Muslim Ummah.

Medium-sized cattle are witnessing the highest demand at Dhaka’s makeshift markets set up ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, while large, high-priced cows are struggling to attract buyers, traders said. During visits to several cattle markets in the capital, animals priced between Tk 90,000 and Tk 1.8 lakh appeared to be the most sought-after by customers. Trader Alam Bepari brought six cows to the Merul Badda market after his usual selling spot in Aftabnagar did not host a market this year.  Four of his cows, all medium-sized, were sold for prices ranging from Tk 1.2 to Tk 1.62 lakh. “The remaining two are large cows. I’m asking Tk 5 lakh for each, but the highest offers so far are around Tk 2.3 lakh,” he said. “Last year, cows priced at Tk 5 lakh sold out just before Eid. Cows priced at Tk 10 to 15 lakh sold well in Aftabnagar. This year, I haven’t seen such buyers. No one is offering above Tk 2 lakh,” Alam added. At the Diabari market in Uttara, Monir Hossain from Manikganj brought four cows.  He managed to sell three, but the biggest one remains unsold. “I spent the most raising this cow. I’m asking Tk 7.5 lakh but am ready to settle for Tk 5 lakh. Buyers are only offering Tk 2.8 lakh,” he said. Trader Ledu Hawladar, also at Diabari, brought only medium-sized cows this year.  “Last time, I faced losses with large cows. This year, medium-sized cattle are selling well, and buyers are paying good prices,” he said. Buyers pointed to several reasons behind the drop in demand for large cattle. Abul Kalam, a customer, said, “People who buy cows for Tk 10 to 20 lakh are usually either big businessmen or those with unaccounted money. Even many wealthy people avoid spending such amounts. Instead, they prefer buying multiple cows within a Tk 5 lakh budget. A Tk 20 lakh cow is more about showing off than sacrifice.” Another buyer, Shahidul Islam, said past incidents have changed people’s attitudes.  “High-profile cattle from Sadik Agro and the goat controversy involving Matiur have made people cautious. If someone buys a Tk 20 lakh cow, questions are raised about the source of income. That’s a major concern in our country. Honest earners rarely think of spending Tk 30 lakh on one cow,” he said. Buyers also reported that no small cows are available below Tk 60,000. A visit to the markets confirmed the observation, with most small cows priced between Tk 65,000 and Tk 80,000. Traders attributed the high price of small cows to rising expenses.  “Even for smaller animals, rearing and transport costs are high. At minimum profit, the price stands at Tk 60,000 to Tk 70,000,” one trader said. Goats have emerged as a preferred choice for many middle- and lower-middle-income buyers. Most goats are selling between Tk 15,000 and Tk 30,000. In some areas, goats are being sold on street corners, where prices are slightly lower than at markets. Trader Safed Ali brought 20 goats from Gaibandha to the Bashundhara area. “I’m asking Tk 15,000 for goats yielding around 10 to 12 kg of meat. For larger ones yielding over 20 kg, the price ranges from Tk 25,000 to Tk 30,000,” he said. Moizuddin, another goat seller, said demand for goats is high this year. “People are buying more goats than cows. Many buyers are taking two goats at a time,” he said. Buyers said they are choosing goats to fulfil their religious obligation while staying within budget. Haji Ali, a resident of Shahjadpur, bought three goats from Bhatara. Last year, he offered a cow, but this time opted for goats.  “The cows priced at Tk 60,000 to Tk 65,000 are in poor condition. My brothers and I usually share the cost. We didn’t find any suitable cows, so we bought these three goats for Tk 45,000,” he said. This year, 21 authorised cattle markets have been set up under Dhaka’s two city corporations. Some larger markets also have buffaloes, sheep and dumba on sale, though these animals are drawing little interest for sacrificial purposes.

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) pushed in 22 more people through the Rema border of Chunarughat upazila in Habiganj. They were pushed in during the night through a place called Debrabari of Rema BOP under Habiganj Battalion (55 BGB). The group comprised 9 men, 8 women and 5 children.  BSF pushes 19 people into Bangladesh: BGB On information, a BGB patrol team from Kalenga BOP of the upazila quickly reached the spot and arrested them. Preliminary investigation revealed that they were all Bangladeshi citizens and residents of Kurigram district. Kalenga BOP Commander Naik Subedar Syed Jasim Uddin confirmed this. The arrested persons are Johar Ali (80), Md. Arif (19), Md. Asadul (30), Achia Begum (60), Ashraful (35), Jahanara (30), Kakoli (10), Mocha Ashrafi (35), Aminul Islam (35), Mocha Afroza (24) of Ulipur upazila, Abdul Hamid (42), Rehena Begum (40), Sujan (22), Hasi Khatun (18), Parveen (21), Md. Shahinur (03), Hasanur (7), Nazrul Islam (50), Fatema Begum (47), Imran Hossain (20), Sabina (23) and Ismail Hossain (02) of Fulbari upazila.  BSF 'push-ins' continue: 14 more sent through Matiranga border Earlier the BSF pushed in another 19 people in the Kalenga border outpost area in the early hours of May 26.  

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