
Baitul Mukarram National Mosque
Paltan
Bangladesh's national mosque and one of the largest in the world, central to city worship.
Halal Industry Event
The 2026 edition has wrapped up.
Next edition dates not yet published.
Bangladesh's halal products exhibition at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka. Bangladesh is a major halal-certified garment exporter and emerging halal food producer.
Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dhaka, Bangladesh
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.
Mosques and sights
Mosques and Islamic-heritage landmarks worth your time around the expo.

Paltan
Bangladesh's national mosque and one of the largest in the world, central to city worship.

Armanitola, Old Dhaka
Ornate mosque decorated with star-patterned mosaic tilework, a heritage gem.

Lalbagh, Old Dhaka
17th-century Mughal fort complex with a mosque and tomb showcasing Islamic-era architecture.

Kumartoli, Old Dhaka
The pink palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka, now a museum of the city's heritage.

Mohammadpur
Mughal-era seven-domed mosque, a fine example of the city's Islamic architecture.
Halal food
Well-loved halal restaurants across Dhaka, from cheap local favourites to special-occasion dining.

Nazira Bazar, Old Dhaka
Historic alley eatery serving rich traditional biryani from a family recipe.

Dhanmondi
Beloved affordable chain since the 1960s known for kebabs, biryani and curries.

New Bailey Road
Popular spot for kacchi biryani, kebabs and traditional Nawabi-style dishes.

Purana Paltan
Well-known restaurant serving a wide range of traditional Bengali dishes.

Gulshan
Famous modern chain whose mutton kacchi biryani draws long queues.
Hotels
Picks for every budget.

Karwan Bazar
Long-established five-star hotel with extensive dining and a central location.

Gulshan
Modern five-star hotel in the diplomatic district with several restaurants.

Minto Road, Ramna
Landmark luxury hotel set in landscaped grounds near the city centre.

Gulshan
Comfortable upper-mid hotel popular with business travellers near Gulshan lake.

Bijoy Nagar
Centrally located mid-range hotel with on-site restaurants.

Purana Paltan
Affordable central hotel offering simple, clean rooms and dining.
Know before you go
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.
Weather in July
High ~32°C · Low ~26°C
Peak monsoon — hot, very humid and one of the wettest months, with heavy downpours and occasional street flooding.
Light, quick-drying, modest clothing; a sturdy umbrella or rain jacket and waterproof shoes; allow extra travel time for rain and traffic.
Visa & entry
Money
Bangladeshi Taka · BDT
Cards are accepted in hotels, malls and upmarket restaurants, but Dhaka is still largely a cash economy — carry taka for ride-hailing, markets, street food and smaller shops.
Tipping (locally 'bakshish') is customary — around 5-10% in restaurants and small notes for porters and drivers are appreciated.
Connectivity
Grameenphone, Robi and Banglalink tourist SIMs at Hazrat Shahjalal arrivals (passport and biometric registration required)
Plug: Type C / D / G (UK-style sockets are common) · 220V / 50Hz
Emergency
General: 999 (national emergency)
Fire: 999
Safety
Where to pray
Baitul Mukarram National Mosque: Bangladesh's national mosque and one of the largest in the country — a major Friday congregation in the heart of the city.
Star Mosque (Tara Masjid): A historic mosque famous for its star-patterned mosaic decoration, in the old city.
Mosques citywide: Mosques are everywhere in Dhaka and most malls, offices, hotels and the airport have prayer rooms (musalla); the adhan is heard across every neighbourhood.
Getting here
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.
See the full Dhaka travel guide →
Sources: https://www.visa.gov.bd · https://www.hsia.gov.bd · https://www.999.gov.bd
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