Chattogram

Chattogram, historically Chittagong, is Bangladesh's second-largest city and principal seaport, set along the Karnaphuli River near the Bay of Bengal. Known as the commercial capital and the "Queen of the East", it is the country's main gateway for international trade and a busy centre of industry, shipping and commerce.

The city has deep roots as an ancient port, with a recorded maritime history stretching back to the fourth century BC and links to Arab traders, the Mughal era and British colonial rule. Its heritage is reflected in landmarks such as the Anderkilla area, historic mosques and shrines, the Ethnological Museum and the Commonwealth War Cemetery.

Chattogram's coastal setting offers distinctive experiences such as Patenga Beach, Foy's Lake and the nearby Karnaphuli River, while the surrounding hills and the ship-breaking yards at Sitakunda reveal the region's industrial scale. Popular areas include Agrabad, the central business district, and the GEC Circle and Nasirabad area, known for shopping, cafés and restaurants.

As Bangladesh's commercial hub, the city is home to the Port of Chittagong, the Chittagong Stock Exchange, export processing zones and the country's tea auction. Business travellers find strong connections in shipping, textiles, energy and logistics, while leisure visitors come for the coast, hill scenery and local culture.

Whether arriving for trade, industry or exploration, Chattogram provides a practical and characterful base in southeastern Bangladesh, with transport links to Cox's Bazar, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the wider country.