Is it safe to travel to Bangladesh?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would recommend reading more about Bangladesh. Grab a travel guide and read it cover to cover (Lonely Planet Bangladesh would be fine).

It will cover:
What you should wear to be culturally respectful
Travel concerns
Food concerns
I think they also have a "travel with children" section

People might stare at you. You won't die if people stare at you in a foreign country.

Does your husband have relatives who can't travel? I think you should figure out how to go.

OP here: Yes. His mother can't travel to the US because she's has a fear of flying. I am thinking to bring ramen noddles and dry snacks and eat those while I am in Bangladesh. I hope his family doesn't freak out that I can't eat spicy food.

Uh I thought you were sensitive to gluten....ramen is basically pure gluten!!!

I am sure she can find gluten free rice noddles pp. duh!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would recommend reading more about Bangladesh. Grab a travel guide and read it cover to cover (Lonely Planet Bangladesh would be fine).

It will cover:
What you should wear to be culturally respectful
Travel concerns
Food concerns
I think they also have a "travel with children" section

People might stare at you. You won't die if people stare at you in a foreign country.

Does your husband have relatives who can't travel? I think you should figure out how to go.

+1 I've been to Bangladesh, and I've never seen anyone wear a Burqua but this book should help you with your questions (which are at the very basic level.)

How long has it been since you were there. There’s ample media coverage of this relatively recent cultural change. Which is not to say a foreigner needs to follow suit. You just could not have been there recently and actually been out with locals and missed this.

[Anonymous]

Please check with your doc about vaccinations needed. Don’t drink any water that hasn’t been boiled (even if it’s a restaurant) or stick with bottled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be careful whose advice you take. My husband is also from Bangladesh. The family members who haven’t been back in a long time really don’t understand how much more conservative and dangerous it has become. There’s no way in hell I’d wear a burkha myself but PP is right that they are common there now. It’s a sad story of retreating from secular government.

I wouldn’t take a small child myself. You’re going to constantly be on edge about food sanitation.

OP here: Thanks. This is my biggest concern. My husband hasn't been back to Bangladesh in over 8 years. His mother was here for our wedding 6 years ago and that's the last time he has seen his mother. They're very close but unfortunately we didn't have the funds to travel to Bangladesh or the time to take off from grad school. We're both finally finished with grad school now and can afford a trip to Bangladesh. His mother doesn't want to come to the US because she gets travel sickness and she's afraid to fly. She's also afraid to fly alone and there's no one in his family who can accompany her on the trip. I am very hesitant about this trip and my husband is NOT understanding. He basically told me he will divorce me if I don't go on the trip! I really do want to meet his family. I have only met his mother. He has a sister, brother and nephew I really want to meet.

OP, it's hard to tell if your DH is being unreasonable here. Meeting family is a huge deal in Bengali culture; like a lot of other old-world cultures there are certain rituals/observations that involve family for a marriage to be welcomed. I do sense that you seem to suffer excess anxiety, however, about this trip. If you haven't traveled extensively, there will be many aspects that will concern you. Could you spend a few days in DH's home village and then travel to Dhaka or another part of the country with his family members that isn't so remote?

Wait what?! Why would you suggest that OP visits Dhaka if she doesn't need to? This is bizarre advice and whats this BS about his family accepting the marriage? They have been married for 6 years according to OP. I don't think you're getting good advice here OP. Most likely it's from Indians who know nothing about Bangladesh.

I think a few days staying in a hotel in Gulshan and shopping for jewelry with his mother will be good for OP's anxiety and for bonding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would recommend reading more about Bangladesh. Grab a travel guide and read it cover to cover (Lonely Planet Bangladesh would be fine).

It will cover:
What you should wear to be culturally respectful
Travel concerns
Food concerns
I think they also have a "travel with children" section

People might stare at you. You won't die if people stare at you in a foreign country.

Does your husband have relatives who can't travel? I think you should figure out how to go.

OP here: Yes. His mother can't travel to the US because she's has a fear of flying. I am thinking to bring ramen noddles and dry snacks and eat those while I am in Bangladesh. I hope his family doesn't freak out that I can't eat spicy food.

Uh I thought you were sensitive to gluten....ramen is basically pure gluten!!!

I am sure she can find gluten free rice noddles pp. duh!!

She didn't say that though, she said Ramen which are made from wheat. Fake "sensitivity" people give real Celiacs a bad name. Like the people who jump all over the waitress to make sure their meal is gluten-free then order three regular beers. SMDH

[Anonymous]

Nope, wouldn't go, especially with a two year old and a sensitive stomach https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/17/us/politics/myanmar-sanctions-rohingya.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nope, wouldn't go, especially with a two year old and a sensitive stomach https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/17/us/politics/myanmar-sanctions-rohingya.html

This article is about Myanmar, which is a different country...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ask your sister in law what would be suitable to wear. You can purchase ready made clothing relatively cheaply once you get there. A burka is not necessary but modest clothing is advised. And be alert in public places. The concept of personal space is very different and men may try to brush up against you.

Not if you are obviously with your husband they won’t.

No, they don’t care if you’re with your husband

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be careful whose advice you take. My husband is also from Bangladesh. The family members who haven’t been back in a long time really don’t understand how much more conservative and dangerous it has become. There’s no way in hell I’d wear a burkha myself but PP is right that they are common there now. It’s a sad story of retreating from secular government.

I wouldn’t take a small child myself. You’re going to constantly be on edge about food sanitation.

OP here: Thanks. This is my biggest concern. My husband hasn't been back to Bangladesh in over 8 years. His mother was here for our wedding 6 years ago and that's the last time he has seen his mother. They're very close but unfortunately we didn't have the funds to travel to Bangladesh or the time to take off from grad school. We're both finally finished with grad school now and can afford a trip to Bangladesh. His mother doesn't want to come to the US because she gets travel sickness and she's afraid to fly. She's also afraid to fly alone and there's no one in his family who can accompany her on the trip. I am very hesitant about this trip and my husband is NOT understanding. He basically told me he will divorce me if I don't go on the trip! I really do want to meet his family. I have only met his mother. He has a sister, brother and nephew I really want to meet.

OP, it's hard to tell if your DH is being unreasonable here. Meeting family is a huge deal in Bengali culture; like a lot of other old-world cultures there are certain rituals/observations that involve family for a marriage to be welcomed. I do sense that you seem to suffer excess anxiety, however, about this trip. If you haven't traveled extensively, there will be many aspects that will concern you. Could you spend a few days in DH's home village and then travel to Dhaka or another part of the country with his family members that isn't so remote?

Wait what?! Why would you suggest that OP visits Dhaka if she doesn't need to? This is bizarre advice and whats this BS about his family accepting the marriage? They have been married for 6 years according to OP. I don't think you're getting good advice here OP. Most likely it's from Indians who know nothing about Bangladesh.


I'm concerned about your husband threatening to divorce you. What may sound like a flippant comment is actually a threat that isn't normal in a healthy marriage. Doesn't he care about your comfort, as well? Have you ever considered that maybe he is going to divorce you, in Bangladesh, and keep the child. There would be little you could do at that point because you'd be subject to Bangladeshi family law. Think about it.

[Anonymous]

see if you can get a prescription for cipro before you go. also bring maalox and all of that other OTC anti-diarrheal medicine. my mom has a sensitive stomach (and doesn't travel a lot because of it), but cipro is essential.

and i would be hesitant to go to, esp if he's threatening divorce if you don't go. YOU keep your child's passport with you at all times. don't give your husband access to it. I'd bring it to the office and keep "forgetting" to bring it home. sorry -- i'm an alarmist about these things.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'd go but I work in international development and am a bit more used to navigating new and different places than most.

For Bangladesh, I'd be worried a bit about Dengue fever. I'd probably take papaya extract (you can look up the studies) as a precaution, bring top-notch bug spray, and wear long sleeves and pants/covered ankles. Consider using a bed net. I'd also bring antibiotics and/or antivirals, as well as all medicines you might need for any chronic conditions, along with wipes, anti-bacterial hand gel, etc. Make sure you know your health insurance coverage and what hospitals you would go to if necessary. Have a flexible return ticket.

Regarding food, the standard precautions apply: if you must eat out, only eat in reliable restaurants and then only cooked foods and bottled drinks; no salads, fruit, water, or ice cubes. Take water purification tablets if there is any chance that water in your husband's family home is unsanitary.

If you are prepared, you are likely to feel less uncomfortable, and who knows, you might have a wonderful experience!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I'd go but I work in international development and am a bit more used to navigating new and different places than most.

For Bangladesh, I'd be worried a bit about Dengue fever. I'd probably take papaya extract (you can look up the studies) as a precaution, bring top-notch bug spray, and wear long sleeves and pants/covered ankles. Consider using a bed net. I'd also bring antibiotics and/or antivirals, as well as all medicines you might need for any chronic conditions, along with wipes, anti-bacterial hand gel, etc. Make sure you know your health insurance coverage and what hospitals you would go to if necessary. Have a flexible return ticket.

Regarding food, the standard precautions apply: if you must eat out, only eat in reliable restaurants and then only cooked foods and bottled drinks; no salads, fruit, water, or ice cubes. Take water purification tablets if there is any chance that water in your husband's family home is unsanitary.

If you are prepared, you are likely to feel less uncomfortable, and who knows, you might have a wonderful experience!

Op here. I am heading to Bangladesh next week! I haven't had any vaccinations but I do have my suitcase stocked with ready made food and lots and lots of gifts. I went totally crazy with the gifts and food. I feel like I have a department store in my luggage

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would recommend reading more about Bangladesh. Grab a travel guide and read it cover to cover (Lonely Planet Bangladesh would be fine).

It will cover:
What you should wear to be culturally respectful
Travel concerns
Food concerns
I think they also have a "travel with children" section

People might stare at you. You won't die if people stare at you in a foreign country.

Does your husband have relatives who can't travel? I think you should figure out how to go.

OP here: Yes. His mother can't travel to the US because she's has a fear of flying. I am thinking to bring ramen noddles and dry snacks and eat those while I am in Bangladesh. I hope his family doesn't freak out that I can't eat spicy food.

I thought you had a gluten allergy?

[Anonymous]

OP, you will be with family so you will be safe.

I understand your concerns regarding health but I think this is a trip where you just have to bite the bullet and go. Family is family. It is important. Dress conservatively and you'll be fine. You will be stared at no matter what because women are stared at, and especially Western women.

I'm more concerned about your husband threatening to divorce you if you don't go. I hope that was said in jest.

[Anonymous]

Safe travels. This is not a trip I would make, but I suppose it is part of marriage to a man from there. Please let us know how it was when you get back.