Chittagong
is the port city with a
population of 1,750,000 (1986 est.). It is the commercial and manufacturing center of
Bangladesh. Situated on the Karnaphuli river some 19 km (12 mi) from its mouth at the Bay of Bengal, it is the chief port of
the country. It provides an extensively
developed port facilities for ocean steamers.
An ancient city, Chittagong passed from Tippera (Buddhist) dominance to
Arakan (Hindu) and then Mogul (Muslim) rule, with periods of re-conquest
and re-control. The Portuguese made inroads in the 16th century, and the
British gained control in 1760.
Industries powered
by a hydroelectric plant up the river, use the products of the area--jute,
cotton, rice, tea, petroleum (from offshore installations), and bamboo.
The bamboo is harvested chiefly from the Chittagong Hill tracts. 13,191 sq
km (5,093 sq mi) of rugged, thickly forested land along the Bay of Bengal
is inhabited by primitive mountain tribes.
Chittagong has a picturesque setting.
Its
green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine cool climate always
attract holiday makers. It combines the hum of a restless seaport with the
pleasure of a charming hill-town with its undulating topography.
It attracts tourists from
around the world. It is
surrounded by the bay, the river, and hills high up
to 1,200 m (4,000 ft) from sea level. Rainfall averages 2,870 mm annually. Average annual temperature is 26 deg C (78 deg F).
PLACES
OF INTEREST :
Shrine
of Bayazid Bostami : This holy shrine of saint Bayazid
Bostami attracts a
large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base there is a large pond
with several hundred tortoises floating in the water.
World
war II Cemetery : In this well-preserved cemetery at quiet and
picturesque place lie buried over 700 soldiers from commonwealth countries
and Japan.
Foy's
Lake : Set amidst panoramic surroundings with an intercourse of hills
and lakes this is an ideal spot for outings and picnics.
Ethnological
Museum : A unique treasure house of variety of tribal culture and
heritage of Bangladesh.
Court
Building : Situated on the Fairy Hill, this building commands a
magnificent bird's eye view of Chittagong city that gives a panoramic look at night.
Patenga and Fouzdarhat
Sea Beaches: Patenga
beach is about 22 Km. from Chittagong and is approachable by a motorable
road. On the way to the beach one passes the Patenga Airport. Another
ideal picnic spot is the Fouzdarhat sea beach about 16 km. from
Chittagong.
Sitakunda
: About 40 km. from Chittagong. This is famous for the Chandranath
Hindu Temple -one of the oldest temple in the subcontinent and the
Buddhist Temple having a footprint of lord Buddha. Jhese places
particularly the hilltops are regarded as very secred by the Hindus and
Buddhists. Shiva Chaturdashi festival is held every years in Feloeuary
when thousand pilgrimus assemble for the celebration which lasts about ten
days. There is a hot water spring 5 km. to the north of Sitakunda.
Other places of interest include shrine of Shah Amanat, Shahi
Jame Mosque, Chandanpura Mosque, Portuguese Arsenal, Port
Area, Marine Academy and Biponi Bitan.
