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Muslim business traveller's guide
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Muslim Traveller Guide
Halal Dhaka
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the easiest cities in the world for a Muslim business traveller: the country is overwhelmingly Muslim, so food is halal by default (no pork, and alcohol is not served in ordinary restaurants), and the adhan marks the rhythm of the day. It is a fast-growing host for food and halal trade shows — the Food Bangladesh International Expo and the country's halal-industry expos run at venues such as the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) and the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. Dhaka is famously dense and traffic-heavy (and famous for its rickshaws), but the new Metro Rail (MRT Line 6) and the Uber/Pathao ride-hailing apps now make getting around far more predictable than it used to be.
BDTBangladesh Standard Time (BST), UTC+6 — no daylight saving.
5 halal places to visit
Mosques & sights in Dhaka
The mosques and Islamic-heritage landmarks worth your time around the expo.
Baitul Mukarram National Mosque
Paltan
Bangladesh's national mosque and one of the largest in the world, central to city worship.
Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)
Armanitola, Old Dhaka
Ornate mosque decorated with star-patterned mosaic tilework, a heritage gem.
Lalbagh Fort
Lalbagh, Old Dhaka
17th-century Mughal fort complex with a mosque and tomb showcasing Islamic-era architecture.
5 places to eat
Where to eat — top halal spots
Real, well-loved halal restaurants across Dhaka, from cheap local legends to special-occasion dining.
Haji Biriyani
Mughlai biryani · Nazira Bazar, Old Dhaka$
Historic alley eatery serving rich traditional biryani from a family recipe.
Star Kabab & Restaurant
Bangladeshi & kebab · Dhanmondi$
Beloved affordable chain since the 1960s known for kebabs, biryani and curries.
Nawabi Voj
Mughlai & biryani · New Bailey Road$$
Popular spot for kacchi biryani, kebabs and traditional Nawabi-style dishes.
Where to stay
Hotels for every budget
Hand-picked places to stay, near the action.
Luxury
Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka
Karwan Bazar
Long-established five-star hotel with extensive dining and a central location.
Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel
Gulshan
Modern five-star hotel in the diplomatic district with several restaurants.
InterContinental Dhaka
Minto Road, Ramna
Know before you go
The essentials
Everything a Muslim traveller needs to land in Dhaka with confidence.
Getting in
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)
• Uber / Pathao car — 40-90 min depending on traffic
• Hotel pickup car — 40-90 min
• Prepaid airport taxi — 40-90 min
Getting around
Dhaka is extremely dense and traffic is the city's biggest daily challenge. The Metro Rail (MRT Line 6) runs fast and air-conditioned from Uttara North in the north to Motijheel in the central business district (about 35-40 min end to end) and is the quickest way along that corridor; for everything else, ride-hailing apps and hotel cars are easiest.
Skip flagging cars on the street; use a ride-hailing app for a fixed in-app fare, or arrange a car through your hotel. Green CNG auto-rickshaws are cheap for short hops — agree the fare or insist on the meter first. Cycle-rickshaws are everywhere for very short distances.
Getting here
Travelling from a major halal market?
Most halal-expo buyers and exhibitors fly in from the world's main halal hubs. Here's how to reach Dhaka from each — entry rules vary by nationality, so check the Visa & entry note.
Sources: https://www.visa.gov.bd · https://www.hsia.gov.bd · https://www.999.gov.bd
Other halal expo cities
Nearby and frequently-paired destinations, with the same Muslim-traveller guide.
