Overnight at Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka

Bangladesh is a dream come true. I visited it while many tourists skip this destination because it is considered unsafe to visit

This country is often chaotic when there is even a little political friction. So it was very certain when I visited it two days after election, it was very easy to meet a fully armed soldiers everywhere.

But I don’t want to discuss Dhaka tourism now. As usual, before entering an other country, I will introduce how about its gate. I deliberately made Shahjalal International Airport as one of my places to stay during the 17 days of my backpacking journey.

The airport is very small on size as a capital city airport. After finished process in immigration counter, I was immediately confronted with a not-so-large waiting room.

Fine …. “I will enjoy for 12 hours around it”.

Thirsty … Where is free water station? Yes, I found it on the left of immigration counter.

Want to praying?

Asking to an airport policewoman after couldn’t find the sign, finally I found the mosque on up stair (second floor).

How about the bed?

Relax guys, you can safely sleep here because you will be accompanied by airport police. The triple chair is comfortable enough to just sleep until tomorrow morning. Prepare a thick jacket because the airport air conditioner is very cold. … Shivering all night made me sleepy on next day.

Don’t shocked if mosquitoes greet you …. don’t be stingy to give a little blood so they also feel good … hihihi

Actually in the waiting room which is directly adjacent to the immigration counter there is a sign that it is forbidden to take photos … I just take some pictures for writing purposes.

Want to shopping?

Yes, You can … near the waiting room there are 4 duty free shops. Eiitt … It is forbidden for me, just saw it from a distance.

Want to exchange money?

There are 3 money changers on the left side of immigration counter. Exchange your money enough ! because my last local money about 300 Taka can’t be exchanged again in the money changer … Finally I used it for bought some food for lunch on the plane later when I was flying to Mumbai.

Want to eating?

There is only one restaurant at this airport. It is in front of the money changer. The fried rice price is 470 Taka or around USD 6,30 made me not interested to ate in it … sorry, I couldn’t get a restaurant picture….hihihi.

I also found a flight transfer desk in a separate room behind the money changer, this counter was managed by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. So flights with any airlines, the transfers will be processed of by them.

Toilet?

The toilet design is simple but quite clean in my opinion. If you want to be comfortable … You better use it in early morning when the toilet is still fragrant …. hihihi … because I always do like that every stay in airport.

About them?

I interacted with a man who wanted to work in Malaysia as a security. Also a man who landed from working in Kuwait, or just helped illiterate young man to show where was his gate to fly

Their hospitality left an impression, unforgettable and touching my heart. I want to come back to their warmth someday.

And finally my stay was ended when Jet Airways called me to fly to Mumbai:

Thanks Shahjalal….Nice Dhaka….Beauty Bangladesh.