::Thai Airways Bangladesh ::

Population	125.6 million
Capital City	Dhaka
Language	The official language is Bangla (Bengali), which is spoken by 99% of the population. However English (especially in business circles) is also used.
Principal Religions	Approximately 87% of the population are Sunni Muslims (Islam has been the state religion since 1988). 12% of the population are Hindu, with a small minority of Buddhists and Christians
International dialling code	880
Local currency	The unit of currency is the taka (TK) which is divided into 100 piasas. There are 10, 20 and 50 piasa, and TK1 and 5 coins. There are notes in denominations of TK1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500
Weights and measures	The metric system is generally used, although local measures including the tola (11.66g) and a maund (37 kg) are also still in use. Land may be measured using katha (80 sq yards) and bigha (1,600 sq yards).
Passports	Passports are required for all foreign nationals visiting Bangladesh.
Visas	Visas are an entry requirement for Thai nationals. If arriving from a country with no Bangladesh representation, a 15 day visa may be issued at the airport on arrival provided the traveller holds an onward or return air ticket. However, visitors from the Thai are strongly advised to obtain their visa prior to travelling. Visas can be obtained by post or in person from the Bangladesh High Commission in London.
Travel routes to Bangladesh
Air access	The vast majority of British business visitors to Bangladesh arrive by air. National airline: Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Other airlines: Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai International, British Airways, Emirates and Kuwait Airways. International airports: Zia International (DAC), 20 km north of Dhaka, with duty free shop, bank, Post Office and car hire; Patenga (CGP), 22 km from Chittagong. There are direct flights from Heathrow to Zia International Airport, Dhaka on British Airways (BA) (via Delhi) five times a week. Biman Bangladesh Airlines also have direct flights from Heathrow to Dhaka (via intermediate points in Europe) six days a week. Flight duration is around 12 hours 45 minutes. Connecting flights are available on a number of routes, including Emirates Airlines via Dubai, Thai Airways International via Bangkok, Singapore Airlines via Singapore, Malaysian Airlines via Kuala Lumpur and Kuwait Airways via Kuwait. Flight duration varies between 13 hours 30 minutes to 18 hours. Return direct flights on either BA or Biman Bangladesh Airlines are available every day from Zia International Airport to London Heathrow, with a flight duration of 13 hours 25 minutes. Connecting return flights from Zia International Airport to London Heathrow are offered by a number of airlines, including Emirates, Thai, Singapore, Malaysian and Kuwait Airlines. Flight duration varies between 13 hours 30 minutes and 21 hours. Although taxis are usually available at the airport, it is strongly recommended that transport from the airport is arranged before arrival. Taxis, car hire (usually with a driver) and transport provided by the major hotels are the normal methods of getting to or from the airport.
Surface access	It is possible to travel by road from a number of points in India, including West Bengal, Assam and Tripura. However, this may be difficult during monsoon seasons.
Main ports:	Chittagong, Mongla and Chalna. Bangladesh's first privately owned container port is planned for Chittagong.
Travelling in Bangladesh	Transport links in Bangladesh are often slow and prone to disruption by bad weather. Allow time for delays.
Air	The most efficient means of getting from one city to another is by aeroplane although local storms can occasionally disrupt schedules. There are regular daily flights between Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Khulna. Biman Bangladesh and two private airlines serve the main centres. There are regional airports at Jessore, Syedpur, Sylhet, Cox's Bazar and Rajshahi.
Rail	There are regular services on the 4,400 km railway network which connect administrative and business points of the country, but they are often slow and subject to delay. Six classes of rail travel are available: "air-conditioned", "first" and "express" are recommended. The main rail routes are Dhaka-Chittagong (journey time five hours) and Khulna-Ishurdi-Chilhati (journey time 10 hours). Rail services are being upgraded. It should be noted that passenger trains are targeted by organised gangs of thieves. Thus, travelling after dark is not recommended.
Roads	Bangladesh has over 18,700 km of paved roads. Road conditions have improved although they remain difficult during the monsoon season. Numerous ferry crossings are necessary in most areas of the country which can make journey times unpredictable. Poor driving, vehicle maintenance and unlit or poorly lit buses and lorries are the cause of frequent accidents. Major roads between towns are subject to night time armed banditry. Long distance buses and ferries are sometimes targeted by organised gangs of thieves. A US$700 million bridge across the river Jamuna to link north-west Bangladesh with the rest of the country opened in July 1998.