Bangladesh
Living in Bangladesh
Last updated on Feb 04, 2023
Summary: People describe life in Bangladesh as vibrant and full of culture. Expats love the friendly people, the delicious food, and the low cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $500-$1000 per month, depending on lifestyle. The population of Bangladesh is approximately 166 million people, and the largest cities are Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet. The cons of living in Bangladesh include the high levels of air pollution, the lack of reliable public transportation, and the lack of access to quality healthcare. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as floods and cyclones.
What do I need to know about living in Bangladesh?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Bangladesh, they said:
"Before retiring in Bangladesh, you should have a good understanding of the language and culture. You should also research the local laws and regulations regarding visas and taxation, as these may change depending on your immigration status. It is important to learn about the cost of living, especially for elderly people, and to plan for any healthcare expenses. Having a support network of friends or family in the country is also beneficial. Additionally, you should ensure you have access to financial assistance or other forms of assistance in case of emergencies. Lastly, it’s important to look into the availability and quality of healthcare, transportation, and other services," said another expat in Bangladesh.
"Without basic Bengali language skills you will be lost, it's nothing like Dhaka. (it's better)," added another expat who made the move to Sylhet.
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How do I meet people in Bangladesh?
When we asked people living in Bangladesh about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"There are several ways to meet people in Bangladesh. One way is to join various social and cultural clubs or organizations. You can also attend local events and festivals, or join online communities. Additionally, you can meet people by volunteering with local organizations or joining social media groups dedicated to discussing Bangladeshi culture. Lastly, connecting with family and friends in Bangladesh can be a great way to meet other people in the country," added another expat who made the move to Bangladesh.
"None. But, check local press and villagers upcoming events, some are really excellent," explained one expat living in Sylhet, Bangladesh.
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What is life like in Bangladesh?
When we asked people living in Bangladesh what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life as an expat in the area can be quite rewarding and enjoyable. There are many opportunities to experience the rich culture and history of the town and its surrounding areas. The lifestyle is typically relaxed and laid-back and there is a strong sense of community. People are friendly and welcoming and there are plenty of activities for expats to take part in. There are plenty of places to explore including beaches, mountains, and lush forests. The cost of living is quite reasonable and the transportation system is organized and efficient. With the warm climate, low crime rate, and high quality of life, it's no wonder that expats are choosing this area to make a home," said another expat in Bangladesh.
"Work and education are important to all, leisure on the many rivers is excellent, especially River Surma and Kushiara. Annual regatta Fenchuganj NOT to be missed - boat racing GREAT fun, over 50,000 attended. I was treated very fairly until they found I could speak Bengali local variety, then I was treated exceptionally wheel. Driving is nightmare, however you can hire locally for between 16 and 20 pounds a day, includes driver and insurance, pay for your own LP gas - approx 63 pence a liter," added another expat who made the move to Sylhet.
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Is there a lot of crime in Bangladesh?
We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:
"Yes, crime is a problem in Bangladesh. Violent crimes such as murder, robbery, and rape occur in Bangladesh, as well as crimes related to economic activity, including human trafficking, financial fraud, and money laundering. The rate of homicide in Bangladesh is also relatively high compared to other countries in the region. As with many countries, corruption and the availability of weapons are associated with increased crime in Bangladesh," added another expat in Bangladesh.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Bangladesh accepting of differences?
"Yes, there is a lot of diversity in Bangladesh. The population consists of people from a variety of ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Bangladeshis are known for their open-mindedness and acceptance of differences, from different types of cuisine to diverse forms of culture. There are protections in place for those with disabilities, and the LGBT community is slowly becoming more visible and accepted," added another expat who made the move to Bangladesh.
"Very tolerant, but not of women's clothing. Advise them not to wear too revealing or too short cloths, or clothes that define the shape well. Main town markets are good, however village markets intolerant of unaccompanied ladies," explained one expat living in Sylhet, Bangladesh.
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What are the schools in Bangladesh like?
"In Bangladesh, education is highly valued and the government is investing heavily in school infrastructure and educational programming. The literacy rate is increasing steadily, and by 2021 theBangladesh government expects it to reach 100%. Schools in Bangladesh often have a large number of students, sometimes up to 60 in a single class. Despite this, teachers are known for their dedication and ability to bring out the best in their students. Most schools operate from Sunday through Thursday and offer classes in the morning and afternoon. In addition to traditional primary and secondary education, a number of schools also offer vocational and technical training. Students are encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities such as sports, debates and cultural programs," said another parent with children at in .
"I would look at all alternate options before seriously considering this institution. The teachers try hard and do the best they can in the circumstances, but are unfortunately let down by management. The majority of the teaching faculty are young graduates. This is not a school i'd be sending my children back to, better off at a local Bangladeshi school paying one tenth of the price," commented one expat when asked about Canadian Trillinium School in Dhaka.
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Is the cost of living in Bangladesh high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Bangladesh, they wrote:
"The cost of living in Bangladesh is generally considered to be moderate. Prices for food, clothing, housing and transportation are typically lower than in other more developed countries. However, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on the area you are living in and your lifestyle," remarked another expat living in Bangladesh.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
