Barmy Army Tour in Bangladesh
October/November 2003

Last week the ECB released the dates for the first ever tour to Bangladesh by England, and of course no matter where and when England are playing...the Barmy Army will be there to support our lads !

Bangladesh is the world's most densely populated nation (129 million people), and it's capital Dhaka is home to some 8.5 million people. Many people see stories about constant floods and cyclones, but there is another side to the country....a culture that dates back nearly 2000 years and a population that are CRICKET MAD !!!! making Bangladesh certainly a challenge for Nasser and the lads as they embark on their first ever tour there.

There will be three ODI's and two tests, together with two first class warm up games in Dhaka before the tests begin..

The Barmy Army have been doing considerable research into this new cricketing port of call, and found that probably the best value will be to do the two tests. They are virtually back to back, with Dhaka and Chittigong only approximately 160 miles apart, so it will be quite easy to do. Be careful though on what mode of transport you use !

The Barmy Army and its partners at Wanderers Europe and Wanderers Australia, have been able to secure approx 20 spots initially for this inaugural tour to Bangladesh, and there is a possibility of getting more, but not many more!

The cost pp is £1,595.00 pp and will include return airfares with British Airways, accommodation in 3 star hotels with private facilities and breakfast each day, airport and ground transfers, match passes to each day of the tests, comprehensive travel insurance, and internal transfers within Bangladesh between Dhaka and Chittigong. This takes the hassle out of doing the arrangements yourself. Please be aware of the advice given by the FCO. You are advised to check out their site which is www.fco.gov.uk

We are also looking into the possibility of holding a number of matches on tour for the Barmy Army CC against some of the local opposition.

To be a part of this inaugural Barmy Army Tour, give Mike or Brad a call on 01451 851 022, or via e-mail at info@wandererseurope.com

The tour itinerary will be as follows:

  Day Date Tour
  1 19 Oct Depart London
  2 20 Oct Arrive Dhaka early Morning, Day Free
  3 21 Oct 1st Test
  4 22 Oct 1st Test
  5 23 Oct 1st Test
  6 24 Oct 1st Test
  7 25 Oct 1st Test
  8 26 Oct Dhaka to Chittagong, O/N Chittagong
  9 27 Oct Chittagong Free Day
  10 28 Oct Chittagong Free Day
  11 29 Oct 2nd Test
  12 30 Oct 2nd Test
  13 31 Oct 2nd Test
  14 1 Nov 2nd Test
  15 2 Nov 2nd Test
  16 3 Nov Chittagong to Dhaka
  17 4 Nov Dhaka Free Day
  18 5 Nov Depart Dhaka early Morning, arrive into London early Afternoon

For those who are looking to travel to Bangladesh independently, we would seriously suggest that you join our organised group.... Below is some generic information as advised on the Foreign and Commonwealth's Office' website on Bangladesh, which was last updated on March 20th 2003.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Iraq situation

Following discussion with the Bangladesh Government we have decided to advise that you are strongly recommended to keep a very low profile over the coming days. You should be particularly vigilant and not go out and about more than necessary. There are likely to be further demonstrations and there could be random acts of violence.

This need for caution applies equally to communities and individuals outside Dhaka.

Large demonstrations against UK and US policy on Iraq have already occurred in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet.

Terrorism

We do not have information of any specific threat to western or to British interests in Bangladesh. However, we believe there is an increased threat to British nationals and British interests from global terrorism in the region. Following the terrorist attacks in Bali in October 2002 in which Western tourists were deliberately targeted, you should maintain a high state of vigilance in public places, in particular in clubs, bars, restaurants and churches (see our tips for travellers below or general security advice on the home page). All British institutions and businesses should review their security arrangements. British and international schools should be especially careful.

There is local terrorism and spontaneous violence in Bangladesh, not generally directed at foreigners, but they could inadvertently become victims. In December 2002 at least seventeen people were killed and two hundred seriously injured following indiscriminate bomb attacks on four cinemas in Mymensingh, 120 km north of Dhaka. In March 2003, in two separate bomb attacks, in public places in Khulna, three policemen were killed. You should avoid large gatherings, and be alert for any suspicious or unusual activity near places of employment or residence.

Domestic Political Situation

Political tensions between rival political parties are evident in Bangladesh, and trouble can flare up almost anywhere and with no notice. Political parties impose hartals (general strikes) and conduct public demonstrations, often at short notice. You should stay away from rallies, demonstrations and public gatherings. Many demonstrations are peaceful and good humoured, but there is always the risk of violence breaking out and bystanders being killed or injured. Makeshift explosives and firearms have been used in some disturbances. Be particularly careful during political strikes and do not attempt to cross picket lines.

Crime

Armed robbery, pickpocketing and purse snatching are a threat; day or night, in areas frequented by foreigners. Thieves often work in pairs on motorcycles or 3-wheeled "baby taxis". Passengers using rickshaws and "baby taxis" are particularly vulnerable, the more so at night. You should try to avoid using such transport when travelling alone at any time. You should not wear jewellery in the street. Reputable taxis may be booked by telephone (in Dhaka) and are relatively cheap.

Officials sometimes abuse their authority. You should arrange to be accompanied when visiting police stations to report any incident. You should consult a reliable local informant before venturing into unfamiliar areas or where there is a history of trouble. Consult the British High Commission Consular Section in Dhaka if in doubt.

Local Travel

Security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which include the areas of Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban, continues to be a cause for concern. A British national and two Danish nationals were kidnapped in the area and held for a month in early 2001. Five people were reported killed by gunfire in clashes between rival tribal factions in September 2002, at Rangapanichhara in Rangamati.

The Bangladesh authorities have asked foreigners who propose to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts to let the local authorities have seven days' notice of their travel plans. A central point of contact is the Chittagong Divisional Commissioner's Office (tel: 031 617400/615247; fax: 031 617400/614961) or Deputy Commissioner's Office (tel: 031 621001/619996; fax: 031 620570).

Private travellers are advised to use organised tours. Aid workers or other visitors considering a visit to the area should check with their local administration offices or travel company that the local authorities are informed of their presence and ensure that adequate security precautions and procedures are in place before they travel. You should return to a main town before dark, e.g. Chittagong, Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban towns.

Overnight stays in villages and isolated areas are not recommended. You are advised not to travel on foot to more remote areas of Chittagong Hill Tracts. You should inform the Consular Section of the British High Commission in Dhaka in advance if your travel itinerary includes the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

There are frequent acts of piracy in and around Bangladeshi waters. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions.

Transport Safety

Passengers sometimes face harassment at Bangladesh's international airports. There are regular reports of theft and harassment at Dhaka and Sylhet airports by corrupt officials and unlicensed touts. Beware of touts offering to carry your bags - many are thieves. Arrange pick-up transport in advance with your hotel/colleagues/friends.

Unregulated taxis often overcharge and drivers have been known to rob passengers. Passport theft at Dhaka and Sylhet airports is common. Ensure your documents and any valuables are accounted for and secure before you leave the airport.

Passengers at Zia International Airport (Dhaka) may be stranded without transport. Ensure you use a reputable taxi. Travel between towns after dark is particularly risky because of banditry. Passenger trains, buses and ferries are often targeted by bands of thieves.

River and sea ferries are often dangerously overcrowded. 400 drowned when a river ferry capsized in summer 2002.

Road safety is very poor. Frequent and often lethal crashes are caused by speeding, very dangerous and aggressive overtaking, sudden manoeuvres without indication, traffic travelling in the wrong lanes or against the flow of traffic and by traffic entering junctions and main roads without warning. Drivers of larger vehicles expect to be given right of way.

Roundabouts and junctions are a free-for-all. Pedestrians and rickshaws cross the road without looking. Many vehicles are unlit at night, or travel on full-beam headlights. Poor road and vehicle maintenance compound these hazards.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws in Bangladesh. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Delays and inefficiency in the judicial system can result in long detentions until court hearings eventually take place. Prison conditions are far below UK standards.

There are severe penalties for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. Some drugs-related offences are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country's customs, laws and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be used in dress and behaviour.

Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. During Ramadan, you should refrain from drinking, eating and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Next Ramadan is expected to start in late October 2003.

Dress modestly to avoid giving offence. Same sex relations are illegal.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

VISAS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE ON ARRIVAL. You are advised to obtain the correct visa before arrival. If you intend to use Dhaka as a hub from which to visit other countries in the region, ensure you obtain a multiple entry visa.. You should check with the Bangladeshi High Commission, 28 Queen's Gate, London, SW7 5JA, (Tel: +20 7584 0081) (fax: +20 7581 7477), before travelling that you have been issued with the correct visa. British Citizens seeking visas from a number of Bangladesh embassies and consulates have reported that they were erroneously advised to purchase a visa on entry to Bangladesh. However on arrival they were not permitted to do so, were refused entry, and had to leave on the next available flight. Overstayers face a fine or imprisonment.

HEALTH

Medical facilities are poor. Routine tests and X-rays are unreliable. You must have suitable medical insurance and be prepared to travel outside Bangladesh for treatment.

There is malaria and dengue fever in Bangladesh. Malaria is usually restricted to specific rural areas but dengue fever is common in towns, including Dhaka. You should seek medical and inoculation advice before travelling. Some over-the-counter prophylactics offer no protection. Try to avoid mosquito bites by covering up and using mosquito repellents.

NATURAL DISASTERS

There is widespread flooding during the Monsoon between June and September which disrupts travel, especially in rural areas. You are advised to check that routes are passable before setting out on long journeys. Bangladesh is located in a high-risk earthquake zone.

GENERAL

All British nationals, whether visiting or resident, are strongly advised to register with the British High Commission in Dhaka in person, by telephone (++8802 8822705) or e-mail Dhaka.Consular@fco.gov.uk.

You should take out adequate travel and medical insurance before travelling. It is advisable to have cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash, cards, passport or luggage. The loss or theft of a British passport overseas must be reported immediately to the local police and to the British High Commission in Dhaka. You should leave copies of credit cards, passport details etc with family or friends.

Credit cards are not widely accepted. Travellers' cheques can be exchanged at banks and at the airport in Dhaka. US travellers' cheques are recommended. Credit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity