India, East Bengal (Modern Bangladesh), 19th century
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Bangladesh

Country Information of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a densely populated South Asian nation located in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, bordered by India and Myanmar. The country is characterized by its low-lying deltaic landscape, formed by the confluence of major rivers like...

Capital

Dhaka

Languages

Bengali

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Dhaka,Chittagong,Khulna,Comilla,Mymensingh,Rangpur,Jessore,Sylhet,Saidpur,Madaripur

Major Cities

What Expats Say About BangladeshBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for Bangladesh. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Bangladesh

Life Expectancy

74.0

Population

164,689,383

Religions

Currently under research

Ethnic Composition

[[Bengalis

99%

Climate & Weather in Bangladesh

Loading climate data...

Safety & Security in Bangladesh

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

POOR

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Asia Average

Moderate57/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Bangladesh

Asia Average

Safety Index

Low

Safety from Crime

Concerning

Safe Alone (Day)

Moderate

Safe Alone (Night)

Critical

Safety from Violent Crime

Concerning

Safety from Property Crime

Concerning

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Limited

Healthcare Quality

Limited

Emergency Response

Critical

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 999 (universal), 01 (medical)

• Ambulance Response: 15-30 minutes urban, 45-60 minutes rural

• Hospital Coverage: Public healthcare system with regional hospitals, limited private options

• Trauma Centers: Limited in Dhaka, few specialized facilities

• Language Support: Bengali primary, English in major cities

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 999

• Medical: 01

• Police: 999

• Fire: 999

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~25 minutes

• Rural areas: ~50 minutes

Hospital System:

Predominantly public healthcare system with limited resources, concentrated in urban areas

Major Trauma Centers:

Dhaka, Chittagong

Language Support:

Limited English support, translation challenging in emergency scenarios

Data Completeness: complete

Entry Restrictions in Bangladesh

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Bangladesh

Photo Gallery of Bangladesh

Living Costs in Bangladesh

Extremely low cost of living, with expenses approximately 70-80% cheaper than Western European countries. Affordable housing, food, and transportation make Bangladesh attractive for budget-conscious relocators.

Crime & Safety in Bangladesh

Moderate safety concerns with higher crime rates in urban areas. Petty theft and street crime are more common, but violent crime against foreigners is relatively rare.

Safety Index: 38.61 | Crime Level: 61.39

Health System in Bangladesh

Public healthcare system with limited resources and infrastructure. Private healthcare in major cities offers better quality but at higher costs for expatriates.

Quality Rating: 4.5/10

Advantages in Bangladesh

Extremely low cost of living for budget-conscious individuals
Rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality
Strategic location for regional business opportunities
Young, dynamic population with growing economic potential

Disadvantages in Bangladesh

Limited infrastructure and frequent power disruptions
Challenging job market with low average salaries
High population density and environmental challenges
Complex bureaucracy and potential language barriers

Government & Politics in Bangladesh

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Economic Overview in Bangladesh

Index

GDP

$460.20B

HDI

0.7

Quality of Life

31/100

-12 vs NYC

Purchasing Power

15/100

-27 vs NYC

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in Bangladesh. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in Bangladesh

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

100-500 BDT

Avg: 300 BDT

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

800-3000 BDT

Avg: 1900 BDT

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

499-800 BDT

Avg: 649.5 BDT

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

250-1000 BDT

Avg: 625 BDT

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

6000-22500 BDT

Avg: 14250 BDT

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

3000-12000 BDT

Avg: 7500 BDT

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

15000-50000 BDT

Avg: 32500 BDT

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

10000-30000 BDT

Avg: 20000 BDT

Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

20-100 BDT

Avg: 60 BDT

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

150-600 BDT

Avg: 375 BDT

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

1000-5000 BDT

Avg: 3000 BDT

Gasoline (1 liter)

90-140 BDT

Avg: 115 BDT

Utilities & Communications Costs

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

2200-6861.99 BDT

Avg: 4531 BDT

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

1000-3500 BDT

Avg: 2250 BDT

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

300-1000 BDT

Avg: 650 BDT

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

68.8-110 BDT

Avg: 89.4 BDT

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

40-120 BDT

Avg: 80 BDT

Eggs (regular) (12)

100-180 BDT

Avg: 140 BDT

Local Cheese (1kg)

350-2500 BDT

Avg: 1425 BDT

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

500-5000 BDT

Avg: 2750 BDT

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

800-2000 BDT

Avg: 1400 BDT

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

350-750 BDT

Avg: 550 BDT

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

2000-15000 BDT

Avg: 8500 BDT

Last updated: 2025-11-09

Education System in Bangladesh

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Bangladesh

Bangladesh operates a rapidly expanding transportation network serving 164.7 million people across a geographically challenging landscape. The country prioritizes multi-modal connectivity through major initiatives like the Padma Bridge, which links the southwest region to Dhaka and Chittagong, while investing heavily in road upgrades, metro rail systems, and port infrastructure. However, the system faces significant challenges including severe congestion on core corridors, infrastructure vulnerability to climate hazards, and heavy reliance on road transport. Despite these constraints, Bangladesh is strategically investing nearly $25 billion annually through 2030 to modernize transportation infrastructure and support sustained economic growth.

Public Transport

Below Average

Road Infrastructure

Below Average

Public Transport

4.2/10

Limited public transport integration with emerging metro systems. Dhaka Metro Rail project underway to transform urban mobility. Bus networks exist but lack comprehensive coverage. Minimal integration between transport modes. Significant gaps outside major urban centers.

Road Infrastructure

3.8/10

Road network in poor condition with maintenance challenges exacerbated by vehicle overloading and natural disasters. Core corridors between Dhaka-Chittagong severely congested. Government targeting 3,790 km of national highway upgrades to 4-6 lanes and 10,000 km of footpaths by 2030. Road transport rates higher than comparable developing economies.

Internet Speed

4.5/10

Growing digital infrastructure with expanding fiber networks in urban areas. Rural-urban connectivity gap remains significant. Mobile internet quality improving but broadband speeds lag developed nations. Government prioritizing digital connectivity as part of infrastructure modernization.

Expanding in major cities, limited rural coverage

Airport Connectivity

5.8/10

Network of 58 airports with 9 major facilities providing domestic and regional connectivity. Adequate coverage for passenger and cargo operations. Limited hub status compared to regional competitors. International routes concentrated through primary airports in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: N/A (Dhaka Metro Rail under construction)
Bus Trip: N/A (varies by operator and distance)
Taxi: N/A (unmetered; negotiated rates typical)
High-speed Train: N/A (conventional rail network only)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Limited deployment in major cities, early-stage expansion

4G Coverage: Extensive urban coverage, growing rural availability from major carriers

4G/LTE networks operational in urban and semi-urban areas with expanding rural reach. 5G deployment beginning in major metropolitan centers. Mobile internet quality improving but infrastructure investment ongoing.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

International Driving Permit required for foreign nationals. Left-side driving. Foreign licenses accepted temporarily but conversion to local license required for extended stays. Visitors should obtain IDP before arrival.

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Work & Business in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's economy is gradually recovering after recent political and social disruptions, offering diverse employment opportunities across garments, technology, pharmaceuticals, and emerging sectors. With a population of 164.7 million and a private sector comprising 80% of GDP, the country presents significant potential for workers and entrepreneurs despite current macroeconomic challenges. The nation is transitioning from Least Developed Country status, creating both opportunities and structural reforms in business environment and labor markets.

Employment Rate

48.0%

Below-average employment rate with significant challenges. Approximately 2.2 million individuals enter the workforce annually, but job creation lags demand. High unemployment and underemployment persist, particularly among youth. Low investment climate and stagnant GDP growth constrain employment generation.

Startup Ecosystem

42.0%

Emerging startup ecosystem with limited but growing support. Government initiatives like Biniyog Briddhi foster social entrepreneurship and impact investment. SME Foundation collaboration strengthens ecosystem development. However, access to finance, land constraints, and regulatory barriers significantly limit startup growth and scaling potential.

Average Salary Range

BDT 240,000 - BDT 600,000 annually

Average salaries range from 240,000-600,000 BDT annually depending on sector and experience. Technology and finance sectors offer higher compensation (500,000+ BDT). Manufacturing and garment workers earn lower ranges. Purchasing power varies significantly by location, with Dhaka commanding premium salaries.

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

Work visa required. EU citizens must obtain employment visa through employer sponsorship or business visa for self-employment. No special EU work permit programs available.

Non-EU Citizens:

Work visa required with employer sponsorship. Investors and entrepreneurs can obtain business visas. Visa processing typically requires employment letter, passport, and documentation from employer. No digital nomad visa program currently available.

Bangladesh requires work authorization for all foreign nationals. Employer sponsorship is standard pathway. Business visas available for entrepreneurs and investors. Processing timelines typically 2-4 weeks. Visa extensions and renewals handled through immigration authorities.

Business Registration

Timeline:

2-4 weeks

Minimum Capital:

BDT 100,000

Business registration involves multiple steps including company name approval, memorandum and articles of association filing, and registration with Registrar of Joint Stock Companies. Common structures include Private Limited Company and Partnership. Online registration partially available. Land access and regulatory approvals remain significant challenges due to opacity in administration systems.

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No comprehensive remote work legislation. Remote work arrangements handled through individual employment contracts. Growing acceptance post-pandemic but limited formal legal framework.

Remote work adoption increasing in technology and IT services sectors, particularly in Dhaka. Co-working spaces emerging in major cities. Multinational companies and tech firms more flexible with remote arrangements. Traditional sectors and SMEs less accommodating. Internet infrastructure adequate in urban areas but variable in regions.

Key Industries

Garments & Textiles

Technology & IT Services

Pharmaceuticals

Agriculture & Agro-processing

Light Engineering

Telecommunications

Financial Services

Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Job Opportunities by Sector

Technology & ICT Services:

High-growth sector with demand for software developers, IT professionals, and digital service providers. Government prioritizing ICT sector development. Salaries: 400,000-800,000+ BDT. Significant export potential and offshore outsourcing opportunities.

Pharmaceuticals:

Rapidly expanding sector with opportunities for chemists, quality assurance specialists, and production managers. Bangladesh is major generic drug producer. Government supporting sector growth as new export focus. Competitive salaries and career advancement.

Garments & Textiles:

Largest employment sector with 4+ million workers. Opportunities in production, quality control, design, and management. Facing wage pressure and subsidy removal but remains major employer. Entry-level to senior management positions available.

SME & Entrepreneurship:

SMEs comprise 90% of businesses, creating abundant opportunities. Government and development organizations supporting SME growth through financing and skills development. Opportunities in business development, operations, and specialized services.

Agro-processing & Light Engineering:

Emerging priority sectors identified for export diversification. Growing demand for skilled workers in food processing, equipment manufacturing, and related services. Government providing support and incentives for sector development.

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Retirement & Senior Living in Bangladesh

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Legal & Administrative in Bangladesh

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Environment & Sustainability in Bangladesh

Bangladesh faces severe environmental challenges as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, with rising temperatures, frequent floods, cyclones, and sea level rise threatening its low-lying delta. GHG emissions have increased 22% from 2013-2019 to 222 MtCO2e, while heatwaves have intensified, with maximum temperatures up 1.1°C since 1980. Sustainability efforts include NDC targets for emission reductions, but air quality remains stable at N/A AQI, and disaster risks are high due to extreme weather trends.

Air Quality Index

Moderate

5.0/10

Stable trend

Air quality data shows stable AQI trend over 6 months with average PM2.5 and PM10 at N/A. Industrial growth and urban expansion contribute to pollution, but government initiatives like emission standards aim to address it. Urban areas like Dhaka face higher pollution than rural regions.

Water Quality

Moderate

5.0/10

Water quality is challenged by salinity intrusion from sea level rise, affecting 24% of coastal zones by 2050, and pollution from industrial and agricultural sources. Access to clean water is limited in rural areas, with government monitoring through BCCSAP focusing on adaptation.

Drinking water often requires treatment due to arsenic contamination and salinity; standards exist but enforcement varies.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure is limited with average rate at N/A%; no specific types listed in database. Efforts focus on waste management under national policies, but formal systems are underdeveloped in urban and rural areas.

Green Spaces

Forest coverage is approximately 12%, with protected areas including Sundarbans mangrove forest. National parks and reserves support biodiversity but face deforestation pressures from climate change and population growth.

Forest Coverage: 12.0%

National Parks: 4

Key protected areas include Sundarbans (UNESCO site) and Lawachara National Park, covering mangroves and tropical forests critical for flood protection.

Environmental Policies

Bangladesh's policies include NDC 3.0 with 6.39% unconditional GHG reduction by 2035 vs BAU, BCCSAP for adaptation, and commitments to Paris Agreement. Focus on cyclone shelters, early warning systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Key Policies:

•NDC 3.0 (2025)
•Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP)

Renewable Energy: Energy sector (52% of emissions) targeted for reductions; specific renewable % N/A but part of NDC pathways.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Bangladesh is highly prone to floods, cyclones, and heatwaves; annual cyclone costs ~$1B. Recent events include 2024 heatwaves causing 250M lost workdays and $1.78B economic loss.

floodscyclonesheatwaves

Climate Change Impacts: Temperature rose 1.1°C max since 1980, feels-like temp +4.5°C; heatwaves 45x more likely, floods up 6% by 2030s; sea level rise 0.2-0.9m by 2100 affecting 28% coastal population; precipitation +8% by 2050s, glacier melt causing erratic river flows and more extreme monsoons.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

NDC 3.0 targets GHG reductions including energy sector (52% of emissions); conditional 13.92% decrease by 2035 vs BAU, with focus on low-carbon transitions.

Disaster Preparedness

BCCSAP and INDC prioritize early warning for cyclones/floods, cyclone shelters, and climate-resilient infrastructure to counter rising disaster frequency.

Wildlife & Nature

Bengal TigerEndangered

Ganges River DolphinEndangered

Hoolock GibbonVulnerable

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Geography in Bangladesh

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Mowdok tiang

Lowest Point

Bay of Bengal

National Flag

Quick Facts for Bangladesh

Population

164,689,383

Currency

BDT

Timezone

UTC+06:00

Calling Code

+880

Week starts on

sunday

Gini Coefficient

32.4 (2016)

Drives on the

left side

Location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.

Bangladesh

Capital

Languages

UN-Member?

Major Cities

Life Expectancy

Population

Religions

Ethnic Composition

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

GDP

HDI

Quality of Life

Purchasing Power

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Gasoline (1 liter)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

Eggs (regular) (12)

Local Cheese (1kg)

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Internet Speed

Airport Connectivity

Transportation Costs

Mobile Network

Driving License

Employment Rate

Startup Ecosystem

Average Salary Range

Work Visa Requirements

Business Registration

Remote Work Policies

Key Industries

Job Opportunities by Sector

Cultural Integration Score

Expat Community

Social Activities

Religious Facilities

Volunteer Opportunities

Dating & Relationships

Professional Networking

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Air Quality Index

Water Quality

Recycling System

Green Spaces

Environmental Policies

Natural Disaster Risk

Sustainability Initiatives

Wildlife & Nature

Coastline

Highest Point

Lowest Point

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services