The port city of Chittagong, also known as Chattogram, is rich in history. Chittagong is one of the oldest cities in Bangladesh. Due to its incredible accessibility to the ocean, the city has accommodated foreign merchants for ages. The city is filled with historical significance. Despite great potential, the port city of Bangladesh is somewhat underrated. Chittagong presents an amazing atmosphere but with the features of the modern city. As most people want to settle in the capital city, they overlook the advantages of living in Chittagong. Properties in Dhaka offer their own set of benefits. But unlike Dhaka, Chittagong offers a fresh and calm environment. The outskirts of Chittagong city are full of beautiful and soothing natural sites. The allure of Chittagong city is hard to describe in words with just words as it is to be experienced firsthand. However, here’s a brief guide to picture the overall atmosphere in Chittagong to help you understand the advantages of buying a flat in Chittagong.
The Chittagong Division is the country’s most visited tourist division. Most of the tourist attractions of Bangladesh are situated on the outskirts of Chittagong city. The port city itself is full of cultural landmarks and historical architecture. When we think of Chittagong, we think of the hill tracks, hilly landscapes, and seashores. The city of Chittagong is a perfect blend of a busy seaport and the tranquility of a charming small city vibe.
Batali Hill is situated right outside of the city. The small mountains offer you a splendid green landscape and the stunning fragrance of the lush jungle surrounding the area. It is a great place to hike and enjoy nature. The hill tracks are also a great picnic spot to come with friends and family.
Foy’s Lake is another wonderful tourist site. The crystal-clear water lake is surrounded by hills. You can take a boat and enjoy the serene atmosphere. These high hill tracks surrounding Foy’s Lake are eligible for the world natural heritage list.
The famous Patenga beach is on the outskirts of the city. One can enjoy the serenity of the ocean and spend a lovely evening by the Patenga beach and forget about all the hustle and bustles of life. The Naval Beach is another historic place in Chittagong city. It is a great place to hang out with family and friends. The street foods of Naval Beach are very famous. One can enjoy a magnificent moonlit night over a plate of fried pakora. The Karanaphuli river is another great spot for spending time. The river is calm and welcoming. You can take a boat ride and enjoy a calm moment with yourself, or you may share the calmness of the river with your friends and family. Either way, the marine part of Chittagong city offers you a peaceful time which you will not find in any other city in Bangladesh.
Currently, Dhaka is one of the noisiest cities in the world. The average sound level in Dhaka is over 70 decibels. During the daytime, the average sound level in Dhaka reaches over 90 decibels. According to WHO, anything over 90 decibels is intolerable. However, the capital city never calms down. There are constant noises coming from the roads and construction places. In the industrial regions, high volume noise generates from the machines. Noise pollution or sound pollution is extremely harmful to human health. However, it is unlikely that Dhaka will be quiet anytime soon.
But the city of Chittagong is relatively much quieter. Especially the residential areas of Chittagong are very quiet and provide a serene atmosphere. Residents can enjoy a calm evening on the balcony of their flats. The residential areas are planned like Dhanmondi minus the air and noise pollution. As the city is not very crowded, the roads are relatively quieter as well. The average sound level in Chittagong is far less than in Dhaka.
Dhaka is one of the most crowded cities in the world. The capital city of Bangladesh has been so overflowed with people that now it can barely breathe. Every road is overflowed with private cars. There are constant traffic jams on the roads. It takes a lot of time to move from one to place to another in Dhaka. There are hardly any places in Dhaka where you can live with your family. However, the port city of Chittagong can provide you with breathing space. The city is not as crowded. Especially in the residential areas of Chittagong city, there has been planned development. The residential areas will offer you ample breathing space.
Chittagong is an ancient seaport. According to Roman geographer Ptolemy, Chittagong was noted to be one of the largest Eastern ports in the world. Throughout history, the seaport of Chittagong has served as a gateway through south-eastern Bengal. In the 7th century, Chinese traveler Xuanzang described Chittagong as “a sleeping beauty rising from mist and water.”
During the 9th century, the Arab sailors who explored the Bay of Bengals set up a mercantile station on the seaport. Since then, the seaport of Chittagong has continued to serve as the primary mean of exporting goods from Bangladesh and importing goods from other countries. In 1340, Sultan Fakhrudding Mubarak Shah conquered Chittagong and made it a part of the Sultanate of Bengal. Chittagong became the principal maritime gateway to the Sultan Kingdom. During that period, Chittagong was considered to be one of the wealthiest states in the Indian sub-continent.
In the medieval period, Chittagong became the hub for foreign trade with China, Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and Africa. During that time, Chittagong was famous for trading pearls, silk, muslin, rice, horses, gunpowder, and bullion. In addition, Chittagong had already become a place for a shipbuilding hub.
During the 13th to 16th centuries, the Arabs and the Persians heavily colonized the region. Despite initially arriving for trade purposes, soon after, most Arab settlers arrived to spread Islam to Bangladesh. Ibn Battuta, one of the most famous Arab explorers, arrived at Chittagong in 1345.
During the second world war, the port city became the frontline city in southeast Asia. Chittagong port was used as an air, naval, and military base for allied forces engaged in the Myanmar campaign against Japan. The Imperial Japanese Army Air Force raided the bases in Chittagong in 1942. The air forces from the United States also set camp in Chittagong in 1945.
In the late 1940s, after the partition of British India, the Chittagong saw the light of industrialization. After Dhaka, Chittagong became the second most important city in the country. Rapid urbanization occurred in the early twentieth century. Now, Chittagong is fully a modern city equipped with all urban features.
Chittagong is situated right by the Bay of Bengal. Hence, Chittagong has tropical monsoon weather. During summer, Chittagong faces high temperatures. The air is very humid in Chittagong due to the ocean. During winter, Chittagong stays relatively warmer than the rest of the nation. Thanks to the ocean nearby, the people of Chittagong do not suffer from excessive cold weather.
During monsoon, the Chittagong becomes vulnerable to natural calamities. Chittagong is cyclone prone city. The north Indian Ocean tropical cyclones often hit the coastal areas of Chittagong. In 1991, a destructive cyclone hit the coastal areas of Chittagong. The damage was so massive that it is considered the deadliest cyclone to hit Bangladesh ever.
Chittagong is a cultural hub. For centuries, the port city of Bangladesh has welcomed people from various nations. Over the centuries, the merchants who came to Chittagong to conduct business did not only leave their money but also their culture. The historical trade networks that are connected with Chittagong have influenced the language, culture, and cuisine of Chittagong. The native tongue of Chittagong has many words borrowed from Arabic, Persian, English, and Portuguese languages.
During the Mughal era, the city was known as Islamabad, which translates to the city of Islam. The Mughals called Chittagong the city of Islam because of its rich history with early preaching of Islam in the area. The port city was a gateway for Islamic missionaries to enter the sub-continent. There are various Islamic architectures scattered in Chittagong. The historic Bengal Sultanate era Hammadyar mosque and Mughal fort of Anderkilla are in Chittagong.
Chittagong is also known as the Sufi town of Bangladesh. The city is also referred to as Baro Auliyar Desh or the Land of the Twelve Saints. Historically, Sufism played a vital role in the spreading of Islam in the sub-continent. Badr Auliya came to Chittagong with eleven other saints who had left their marks in the heart of people. The people of Chittagong venerate Badr Auliya as their guardian saint. The tomb of Badr Auliya is located near the old fort in the area known as Badarpatti. The tombs of the other eleven saints are also scattered in the region. Various festivals are organized yearly to celebrate the life of twelve saints as well. In addition, prominent Dargahs of Shah Amanat are also in Chittagong. Lastly, one of the most revered people in the area, Bayazid Bastami’s shrine, is also in Chittagong. The Bastami shrine is a host of historic black softshell turtles.
The music scene in Chittagong is also rich in history. At an early age, Sufism contributed to setting a base for music in the region. People of Chittagong have carried their musical heritage and eventually evolved into the modern form of music. Most of countries finest musicians are from Chittagong. Rock bands like LRB and Souls originated from Chittagong. Due to its incredible contribution to the rock music of Bangladesh, the port city of Bangladesh is also known as the Birthplace of Bangladeshi Rock Music.
The Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) is responsible for governing the city of Chittagong. The city corporation’s responsibility is limited to basic civic services. However, in recent times, the city of Chittagong has been recognized as one of the cleanliest cities in Bangladesh. Chittagong is also famous for its eco-friendly nature. Chittagong is also the host of an assistant high commission of India and a consulate general of Russia.
The port city of Chittagong is also the largest base for the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard of Bangladesh. The railway headquarters for the Eastern Zone is also situated in Chittagong.
When people say Chittagong is the second most important city in Bangladesh, they consider the economic contribution of Chittagong to the overall economy of Bangladesh. The port of Chittagong is not only the oldest port in the subcontinent but one of the oldest seaports in the world. For centuries, it has been the maritime gateway to the region. The Chittagong seaport is one of the busiest seaports in the sub-continent. The city is the home of the country’s biggest shipbuilding company as well. In addition, the ready-made garments sector is also blooming over the years. Numerous government-subsidized companies producing paper and oil are also situated in the heart of Chittagong.
Chittagong contributes more than 12% of the country’s overall GDP. More than 80% of international trades take place in the port of Chittagong. The port city is the birthplace of a few of the oldest and largest companies in Bangladesh. The port is a part of the Silk Road that begins in China and ends in Europe. Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), one of the country’s two stock exchanges, has more than 700 listed companies and a market capitalization of USD 52.53 billion as of 2022.
Chittagong is famous for its unique cuisine. Kala bhuna and Mezban gosht are two of the most famous dishes that originated in Chittagong. The famous countrywide cuisine of Chittagong called Mezban, a Persian word meaning host, is unique to the port city only. The mezban is a traditional feast that heavily features beef and rice. The Mezban beef is prepared with lots of spices. Usually, the dish is prepared in large volumes. Spices play a major role in the cuisine of Chittagong.
Kala Bhuna is another Chittagong delicacy. Kala Bhuna is prepared with beef and a handful of spices. The specialty of Kala Bhuna is that, unlike traditional beef dishes, there is no gravy in Kala Bhuna. Rather the dish is deliberately overcooked so that the meat can soak up all the spices and form a blackish texture. Hence the name Kala (Black) Bhuna.
The people of Chittagong love beef and spicy dishes. Throwing massive feasts during family occasions is very common in Chittagong. The wedding ceremonies in Chittagong are often very grand. The people of Chittagong are also known as very hospitable.
The significance of the port city of Bangladesh cannot be understated. Since the medieval period, Chittagong city has been a significant part of our country. However, due to the rapid urbanization in Dhaka, Chittagong remained in the shadow. But as Dhaka can barely intake anymore of the population, it is time to move our attention to the untapped potential of Chittagong city. Chittagong city not only offers great residential areas to buy flats and settle in but also provides an amazing surrounding atmosphere filled with hills and ocean. Chittagong city offers the amenities of modern cities while keeping you in touch with natural beauties
Answer: No. Rather, the flats in Chittagong are far cheaper than in Dhaka.
Answer: Of course. Chittagong has quality schools, colleges, and universities. There are great English medium schools as well. Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) is right outside of the city.
Answer: Yes. The streets of Chittagong suffer from traffic jams as well. However, it is not as extreme as the traffic jams of Dhaka city.
Answer: The roads in Chittagong city are well built. You can travel to any part of the country from Chittagong very easily by road.
Answer: The best to buy a flat in Chittagong is now. With time, the prices of the flats in Chittagong will only go high as the demand increases each day.
Concord Centre, 43 North Commercial Area, Gulshan -2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Concord Centre, 43 North Commercial Area, Gulshan -2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
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