How to get around in Dhaka, Bangladesh?

Question

I will be teaching English in Dhaka, Bangladesh this summer and during my stay I would like to visit as much of the city as possible, but I'm not sure of the way to get around.

I do not speak Bengali, and I've heard mixed things about the richshaws that they can easily rip off foreigners and that they aren't allowed in some parts of the city. Can someone recommend another way of exploring Dhaka that is cheap and I can rely on?

Answer 1

Hire a driver with a car or if you're on a somewhat tight budget then hire a tuktuk.

Answer 2

First of all, welcome in our part of the world. As far as I can recollect from your past Q&A in this forum I assume that you are used to the Indian sub-continent's severe hot and humid weather during this summer time (from April to September).

Getting around Dhaka city by rickshaw is the 'best' possible modes for the visitors to get first-hand feel or 'taste' of the people and the environment. The rickshaw-pullers are not at all 'educated' and sometimes may try to ask a few Taka more than what they would ask from the locals. This is universal problem and a bit strong here in Dhaka.

However, you need not to worry that much about getting ripped-off by the Rickshaw or Auto Rickshaw (Scooter) drivers, known here as CNG, for the type of fuel they use now-CNG than the previous Two-stroke scooters which used Petroil (mixture of Oil and Petrol).

The CNG drivers are sometimes known to have alliance with criminal gangs and help rob passenger's belongings once they pretend that their CNG has stopped for some mechanical or electrical trouble in a remote or dark place in night times, when pre-planned gangs would board that CNG from both the sides of the passenger and rob him (mostly attack the males). This nuisance has also been tackled to some extent by the Police after a few high-profile incidents were flashed in the news media, where the Reporter of the News and TV were deceived and looted of their belongings.

It is true that the Rickshaws are banned from plying on the "VIP Roads" and this has caused sufferings for the people who do not have their own vehicles or could not 'compete' with other able-bodied passengers for riding the mini-busses or the busses. However, recently there are ticket-counters of A/C and non-a/c busses seen in the city where people would buy the ticket and then board the bus, when it would arrive, in disciplined manner those we can see in Mumbai, India.

If you have anyone known in Dhaka (even from this forum) then you may ask him/her to help you with the transportation as a guide or at least get tip on best possible solution and routes that you may take to see as much of Dhaka without facing much inconveniences.

Have a nice stay in Dhaka!

======

Added:

Travelling from Mohammadpur to Old Dhaka by Rickshaw (`Taka 40) and the CNG (`Taka 70) but it would be uncomfortable to sit in a rickshaw for about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the 'traffic-jam' which is very notorious in the old-Dhaka areas.

Better hire a CNG in day time (`Taka 60) or take a Bus from Md.Pur upto Gulistan (`Taka 10) and then from there take Rickshaw (`Taka 10-15).

The fare from Mohammadpur to Gulshan by rickshaw (`Taka 50) or CNG (`Taka 70), but it would be difficult for the rickshaws to cross the VIP road on way to Gulshan from Md.Pur. There are Busses/CNGs from Md.Pur to Farm-gate and from there you can take another Bus/CNG to Gulshan.

The fares have raised some 25% to 50% from this month when the government increased the price of CNG by 100% since it was selling below the 'rational' rate.

1 US$ = about Taka 70

Answer 3

God help you!

Banglas are not friendly people by nature. Once you get to know them they may start trusting you a bit.

Add me to your contacts if you want to; I work with a couple of Banglas that may be able to give you some advice if you hit a brick wall on this or any other questions you may have about Dhaka.

Keep in mind my coworkers English is not that great so keep questions simple if you exercise the option I have given you...