Flat in chittagong: things to know before buying

The port city of Chittagong, officially known as Chattogram, is rich in history. Chattogram 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. Chattogram 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 Chattogram. Properties in Dhaka offer their own set of benefits. But unlike Dhaka, Chattogram offers a fresh and calm environment. The outskirts of Chattogram city are full of beautiful and soothing natural sites. The allure of Chattogram 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 this city to help you understand the advantages of buying a flat in Chattogram. 

Natural Beauty

The Chattogram Division is the country’s most visited tourist division. Most of the tourist attractions of Bangladesh are situated on the outskirts of Chattogram city. The port city itself is full of cultural landmarks and historical architecture. When we think of Chattogram, we think of the hill tracks, hilly landscapes, and seashores. The city of Chattogram 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 Chattogram 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 Chattogram city offers you a peaceful time which you will not find in any other city in Bangladesh. 

Quite Neighborhoods

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 is generated by 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 Chattogram is relatively much quieter. Especially the residential areas of Chattogram 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 Chattogram is far less than in Dhaka. 

Less Crowded 

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 place to another in Dhaka. There are hardly any places in Dhaka where you can live with your family. However, the port city of Chattogram can provide you with breathing space. The city is not as crowded. Especially in the residential areas of Chattogram city, there has been planned development. The residential areas will offer you ample breathing space. 

Historical Significance of Chattogram

Chattogram is an ancient seaport. According to Roman geographer Ptolemy, Chattogram was noted to be one of the largest Eastern ports in the world. Throughout history, the seaport of Chattogram has served as a gateway through south-eastern Bengal. In the 7th century, Chinese traveler Xuanzang described Chattogram 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 Chattogram has continued to serve as the primary means of exporting goods from Bangladesh and importing goods from other countries. In 1340, Sultan Fakhrudding Mubarak Shah conquered Chattogram and made it a part of the Sultanate of Bengal. Chattogram became the principal maritime gateway to the Sultan Kingdom. During that period, Chattogram was considered to be one of the wealthiest states in the Indian sub-continent. 

In the medieval period, Chattogram became the hub for foreign trade with China, Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and Africa. During that time, Chattogram was famous for trading pearls, silk, muslin, rice, horses, gunpowder, and bullion. In addition, Chattogram 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 Chattogram in 1345.

During the Second World War, the port city became the frontline city in southeast Asia. Chattogram 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 Chattogram in 1942. The air forces from the United States also set camp in Chattogram in 1945. 

In the late 1940s, after the partition of British India, the Chattogram saw the light of industrialization. After Dhaka, Chattogram became the second most important city in the country. Rapid urbanization occurred in the early twentieth century. Now, Chattogram is a fully modern city equipped with all urban features.

Climate of Chattogram

Chattogram is situated right by the Bay of Bengal. Hence, Chattogram has tropical monsoon weather. During summer, Chattogram faces high temperatures. The air is very humid in Chattogram due to the ocean. During winter, Chattogram stays relatively warmer than the rest of the nation. Thanks to the ocean nearby, the people of Chattogram do not suffer from excessive cold weather.

During monsoon, the Chattogram becomes vulnerable to natural calamities. Chattogram is cyclone cyclone-prone city. The north Indian Ocean tropical cyclones often hit the coastal areas of Chattogram. In 1991, a destructive cyclone hit the coastal areas of Chattogram. The damage was so massive that it is considered the deadliest cyclone to hit Bangladesh ever. 

Culture of Chattogram

Chattogram 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 Chattogram to conduct business did not only leave their money but also their culture. The historical trade networks that are connected with Chattogram have influenced the language, culture, and cuisine of Chattogram. The native tongue of Chattogram 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 Chattogram 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 Chattogram. The historic Bengal Sultanate era Hammadyar mosque and Mughal fort of Anderkilla are in Chattogram. 

Chattogram 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 Chattogram with eleven other saints who had left their marks in the heart of people. The people of Chattogram 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 the twelve saints as well. In addition, prominent Dargahs of Shah Amanat are also in Chattogram. Lastly, one of the most revered people in the area, Bayazid Bastami’s shrine, is also in Chattogram. The Bastami shrine is a host of historic black softshell turtles. 

The music scene in Chattogram is also rich in history. At an early age, Sufism contributed to setting a base for music in the region. People of Chattogram have carried their musical heritage and eventually evolved into the modern form of music. Most of the country’s finest musicians are from Chattogram. Rock bands like LRB and Souls originated from Chattogram. 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. 

Government of Chattogram

The Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) is responsible for governing the city of Chattogram. The city corporation’s responsibility is limited to basic civic services. However, in recent times, the city of Chattogram has been recognized as one of the cleanliest cities in Bangladesh. Chattogram is also famous for its eco-friendly nature. Chattogram is also the host of an assistant high commission of India and a consulate general of Russia. 

The port city of Chattogram 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 Chattogram. 

Economy of Chattogram 

When people say Chattogram is the second most important city in Bangladesh, they consider the economic contribution of Chattogram to the overall economy of Bangladesh. The port of Chattogram 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 Chattogram 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 Chattogram. 

Chattogram contributes more than 12% of the country’s overall GDP. More than 80% of international trade takes place in the port of Chattogram. 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. Chattogram 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. 

Chattogram Cuisine 

Chattogram is famous for its unique cuisine. Kala bhuna and Mezban gosht are two of the most famous dishes that originated in Chattogram. The famous countrywide cuisine of Chattogram 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 Chattogram. 

Kala Bhuna is another Chattogram delicacy. Kala Bhuna is prepared with beef and a handful of spices. The speciality 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 Chattogram love beef and spicy dishes. Throwing massive feasts during family occasions is very common in Chattogram. The wedding ceremonies in Chattogram are often very grand. The people of Chattogram are also known as very hospitable.

Summary 

The significance of the port city of Bangladesh cannot be understated. Since the medieval period, Chattogram city has been a significant part of our country. However, due to the rapid urbanization in Dhaka, Chattogram 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 Chattogram. Chattogram 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. Chattogram offers the amenities of modern cities while keeping you in touch with natural beauties. 

F.A.Q

Are flats in Chattogram more expensive than in Dhaka?

Answer: No. Rather, the flats in Chattogram are far cheaper than in Dhaka. 

Does Chattogram have good educational institutes?

Answer: Of course. Chattogram has quality schools, colleges, and universities. There are great English medium schools as well. Chattogram University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) is right outside of the city. 

Does Chattogram have traffic jams?

Answer: Yes. The streets of Chattogram suffer from traffic jams as well. However, it is not as extreme as the traffic jams of Dhaka city. 

How are the roads in Chattogram city?

Answer: The roads in Chattogram are well-built. You can travel to any part of the country from Chattogram very easily by road. 

What is the best time to buy a flat in Chattogram?

Answer: The best to buy a flat in Chattogram is now. With time, the prices of the flats in Chattogram will only go high as the demand increases each day.