Aiesec Iub Trainee Information Packet

The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential

WELCOME TO

AIESEC in Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB)

If you are looking to get a brighter perspective at the world, then Bangladesh ought to be your ONLY destination

If warm weather, Smiling people

mixed cultures and great food is to be a memorable part of life, then you should take a trip to Bangladesh. If "Riding On A Rickshaw", "Beautiful Tea Gardens", "Eating Fuchka" and "Longest Beach In The World" is your desire then what are you waiting for???

BANGLADESH

Bangladesh is one of the few countries in South Asia which still remains unexplored. Not a tourist haunt, it has a delicate and distinctive attraction of its own to offer. Bangladesh is like a painter's dream come true with the rich tapestry of colors and textures that it can offer. A treasure-trove of natural beauty, Bangladesh has seldom been highlighted in the world tourist maps due to the lack of material facilities it offers. It's a land of enormous beauty, hundreds of serpentine rivers, crystal clear water lakes surrounded by ever green hills, luxuriant tropical rain forests, beautiful cascades of green tea gardens, world's largest mangrove forest preserved as World Heritage, home of the the Royal Bengal Tiger and the wildlife, warbling of birds in green trees, wind in the paddy fields, abundance of sunshine, world's longest natural sea beach, rich cultural heritage, relics of ancient Buddhist civilizations and colorful tribal lives. The list is endless for those who are willing to look around, but the fact remains that Bangladesh creates an unforgettable impression of a land of peace. Few appreciate the Bangladeshi culture and environment. Becoming close to the people and lifestyle here is not simply a sight-seeing excursion, but real-life learning experiences. The blend of adventure, exploration and mingling that this country offers will give you an idea balance of comfort, relaxation and excitement, just like a home away from home. Enjoy an ideal blend of adventure and exploration with comfort and relaxation. Here you find that you are not alone. With us, any place in Bangladesh is a home away from home.

CLIMATE Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon-type climate, with a hot and rainy summer and a dry winter. January is the coolest month with temperatures averaging near 26 deg C (78 d F) and April the warmest with temperatures from 33 to 36 deg C (91 to 96 deg F). Other than that, the temperature has relatively little variation from month to month. Bangladesh is one of the best destinations in the world to enjoy rain. Lightweight cotton and linen clothing are recommended throughout the year, though slightly warmer clothes are needed in the evenings during the cool season. Waterproofs are necessary during the monsoon season.

GEOGRAPHY Location: Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India. Area: total: 144,000 sq km. land: 133,910 sq km. water: 10,090 sq km. Coastline: 580 km. Climate: tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October) Terrain: mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast. Natural resources: natural gas, arable land, timber

ECONOMY Population: 153,546,896 (July 2008 est.) Languages: Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English GDP - real growth rate: 5.9% (2008 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 19.1% industry: 28.6% services: 52.3% (2008 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.4% (2008 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total Population: 43.1%

HISTORY The area which is now Bangladesh has a rich historical and cultural past, the product of the repeated influx of varied peoples, bringing with them the Dravidian, Indo-Aryan, Mongol-Mughul, Arab, Persian, Turkic, and European cultures. The history of Bangladesh has been one of extremes, of turmoil and peace, prosperity and destitution. It has thrived under the glow of cultural splendor and suffered under the ravages of war. The earliest mention of Bangladesh is found in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata (the story of Great Battle-9th century B.C). Evidence also suggests that there was a strong Mongoloid presence as well. Soon after, in the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. came the Aryans from Central Asia and the Dravidians from Western India. Then came the Guptas, Palas, Senas, who were Buddhist and Hindus. From the 13th century A.D. the flood of Muslim invaders and the tide of Islam swamped the Buddhist and Hindus untold 8th century. Sometimes there were independent rulers like the Hussain Shahi and Ilyas Shahi dynasties while at other times they ruled on behalf of the imperial seat of Delhi. From 15th century the Europeans, namely; Portuguese, Dutch, French and British traders exerted an economic influence over the region. British political rule over the region began in 1757 A.D. when the last Muslim ruler of Ben. gal was defeated at Palassey. In 1947 the country was partitioned into India and Pakistan. Present Bangladesh becomes the Eastern Wing of the then Pakistan. But the movement for autonomy for East Pakistan started within a couple of years because of language and cultural difference and economic disparity between the two wings. The seeds of independence were sown through the Language Movement of 1952 to recognize Bangla as a state language. Ultimately the then East Pakistan emerged as a sovereign and independent state of Bangladesh in 1971 after nine month - long war of Liberation (starting on 26 March 1971) in which 3 million people courted martyrdom.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS COX’S BAZAAR Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful sea-food--this is Cox's Bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh. Seventyfive miles (120 Kilo miters) of uninterrupted beach make Cox's Bazaar one of Bangladesh's best-known tourist destinations and the perfect place for holyday makers and sun-seekers to relax. The resort area also boasts of exotic Arakanse Buddhist temples. Cox's Bazaar is the world's longest and broadest beach sloping gently down to the blue water of the Bay of Bengal against the picturesque background of a chain of hills covered with deep green forests. Explore the peaceful pagodas and Khyangs, just a short walk from the bustling Burmese Market. The Khyangs are elevated upon pier-like stilts in Arakanese style. Ramu is another Arakanese community, a fourteenkilometer drive north of Cox's bazaar. It is noted for its khayangs and, in particular, one monastery containing images of the Buddha in bronze, silver, and gold inlaid with precious and semi- precious stones. Near Ramu you'll also find the Bara khayang at lama Bazaar. The Khayangs consists of three buildings. One of them houses reliquaries and handicrafts along with the largest bronze statue of the Buddha in Bangladesh. Maheskhali and Sonadia islands are both just a short county and speedboat ride away. Sonadia Island is a sanctuary for migratory birds such as petrels, snipe, shanks, lapwings, geese and ducks. In the on-going selection of the New 7-wonders of the World, Cox’s Bazaar is currently ranked in the top 3. It was the #1 in the list few months back. The final position will be determined at the end of 2009.

THE SUNDARBANS The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest. In Bangladesh tourism, Sundarban plays the most vital role. A large number of foreigners come to Bangladesh every year only to visit this unique mangrove forest. Besides, local tourists also go to visit Sundarban every year. The area of great Sundarban is approximately 6000 sq km or 2400 sq miles. The main attractions of the Sunderbans are Wildlife photography icluding photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honeycollectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty. In the on-going selection of the New 7-wonders of the World, Cox’s Bazaar is currently ranked in the top 3. The final position will be determined at the end of 2009.

ST. MARTIN’S ISLAND St. Martins Island is the most beautiful Coral Island where you will find live corals. Its only 30 km from Teknaf and you can go there by local motorboat, tourist boats, or sea truck. It’s a small continental island in the Bay of Bengal, is located on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh separated from the mainland by a channel which is about 9 km wide.

This small coral island about 10km (6mi) southwest of the southern tip of the mainland is a tropical cliché, with beaches fringed with coconut palms and bountiful marine lfe. There’s nothing more strenuous to do here than soak up the rays, but it’s a clean and peaceful place without even a mosquito to disrupt your serenity. It’s possible to walk around the island in a day because it measures only 8 sq km (3 sq mi), shrinking to about 5 sq km (2 sq mi) during high tide. Most of island’s 5500 inhabitants live primarily from fishing, and between October and April fisher people from neighboring areas bring their catch to the island’s temporary wholesale market.

In this Island, you will find the beautiful Coral reef and long Coral beach and lots of coconut trees. The local name of the coconut is Narikel and the original name of this Island is Narikel Jinjira is derived from that. Accommodation in St. Martins Island is limited, so it is advisable to book accommodation before you plan to go to this Island. Motel Nijhum is one of the best hotels in St. Martins Island. To book in Motel Nijhum, confirm you reservation from Dhaka. You will hardly get a chance to stay in this hotel if you are a sudden visitor of St. Martins Island. The other good hotels are Prashad Paradise & Sraboni Bilash. View of the beach under the shade of the coconut trees at St. Martins Island]

Overnight staying in St. Martins Island is really an exotic feeling where you will feel and listen to the sound of Sea. If you are lucky enough then you can spend the exotic moonlit night at St. Martins Island. The beauty of Full moon in St. Martins Island cannot be expressed, if you are not there at that time.

Cheera-dwip is a part of St. Martins Island but divided during tides. You can go to Cheera-dwip by walking. About two and a half hours walk from St. Martins Island or you can go there also by local motorboat or tourist boat. In that Island you will find the Corals - living and dead all over the Island. A small bush is there which in the only green part of Cheera-dwip, enhancing the beauty of this island. People do not live in this Island, so advisable for the tourists to go there early and come back by afternoon.

CHITTAGONG Chittagong is the biggest seaport and second largest town in Bangladesh situated near the Bay of Bengal. It is rich is green hills and forest as well broad sandy beaches. Simbine that with a fine cool climate, Chittagong has always attracted tourists, both from Bangladesh and abroad. A Chinese traveler poet once described this city as “a sleeping beauty emerging from mists and water.” Chittagong combines remains true to both the descriptions even today. It combines the busy hum of an active seaport with the shooting quiet of a charming hill town. The Shahi Jama-e-Masjid and Qadam Mubarak Mosque are two of the most impressive buildings in the city. It is also worth visiting the Ethnological Museum in the Modern City, which has interesting displays on Bangladesh's tribal peoples. There are good views and cooling breezes from Fairy Hill in the British City in the northwestern sector of the city. Bangladesh's only steel mill and oil refinery are also located in Chittagong.

KUAKATA Kuakata, locally known as Sagar Kannya (Daughter of the Sea) is a rare scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. Kuakata in Latachapli union under Kalapara Police Station of Patuakhali district is about 30 km in length and 6 km in breadth. It is

70 km from Patuakhali district headquarters and 320 km from Dhaka. At Kuakata excellent combination of the picturesque natural beauty, sandy beach, blue sky, huge expanse of water of the Bay and evergreen forest in really eye-catching. From its seashore you can watch both sunrise and sunset. The coconut trees increase the scenic beauty of this seashore.

RAJSHAHI Situated besides the river Padma, Rajshahi Division is famous for archeological and historical places like Mohastnangor, Paharpur Buddhist Monastery, Kantajee’s Temple, Ramshagar Dighi, Choto Sona Masjid, and Shopnopuri etc. You can visit Rajshahi University. It’s a very well planed University and you can visit The Shahid Smriti Sangraha Shala in the University, you can see the documents and photography’s from the language movement of 1952 to the liberation was 1972. You can also visit Borendra Research Museum. There you will find the ancient elements of Paharpur, Mohasthangar and Mohenjodaro.

SYLHET Sylhet is a natural hilly, forest area with ox bow lakes and famous shrines. Nestled in the picturesque Surma Valley amidst scenic tea plantations and lush green tropical forests, greater Sylhet is a prime attraction for all tourists visiting Bangladesh. Laying between the Khasia and the Jaintia hills on the north, and the Tripura hills on the south, Sylhet breaks the monotony of the flatness of this land by a multitude of terraced tea gardens, rolling countryside and the exotic flora and fauna. Here the thick tropical forests abound with many species of wildlife, spread their aroma around the typical hearth and homes of the Mainpuri Tribal maidens famous for their dance.

CULTURE Bangladesh is very rich in their culture. People of many religions including the tribal people live here in harmony. There are different kinds of festivals, some are traditional and others are religious. Fairs and festivals are a source of joy and entertainment and add color to people’s life. While most of the festivals have sprung from religious rituals, the fairs have their roots in the very heart of the people, irrespective of religion, caste or creed. Bangladesh has a culture that encompasses elements both old and new. The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, which Bangladesh shares with the Indian state of West Bengal. The earliest literary text in Bangla is the eighth century Charyapada. Its greatest icons are the poets Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. The musical tradition of Bangladesh is lyrics-based (Baniprodhan), with minimal instrumental accompaniment. The Baul tradition is a unique heritage of Bangla folk music, and there are numerous other musical traditions in Bangladesh, which vary from one region to the other. Gombhira, Bhatiali, Bhawaiya are a few of the better-known musical forms. There are many other festivals which are mostly regional and vary from place to place, but the national ones are major.

Bengal New Year (Pahela Baishakh) The advent of Bengali New Year is gaily observed throughout the country. Most colorful daylong gatherings along with arrangement of cultural program and traditional Panta at Ramna Park, Dhaka is a special feature of Pahela Baishakh.

Tournaments, boat races etc are held in cities and villages amidst great jubilation. Many fairs are held in Dhaka and other towns and villages.

Independence Day & Victory Day Bangladesh celebrates her Independence Day on March 26 and Victory Day on December 16. These days are most befittingly observed and the capital wears a festive look. The citizens wake up early in the morning with the booming of guns heralding the day. Citizens including government leaders and sociopolitical organizations and freedom fighters place floral wreaths at the National Martyrs Monument at Savar. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and other socio-cultural organizations hold cultural functions. At night the main public buildings are tastefully illuminated to give the capital city a dazzling look. Similar functions are arranged in other parts of the country.

International Mother Language Day (Ekushey February) 21 February, celebrated as Language Movement Day or Shohid Dibosh (Martyrs' Day), is a major national holiday in Bangladesh. A month-long event called the Ekushey Book Fair is held every year to commemorate the movement. The Shaheed Minar monument was constructed near Dhaka Medical College in memory of the movement and its victims.

Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Azha They are the biggest Muslim festivals observed throughout the world. Eid-ul-Fitr is held on the day following the Ramadan or the month of fasting. Big congregations are held at the Eid-gah and many mosques all over the country. Eid-ul-Azha is held marking the Hajj in Mecca on the 10th Zilhaj, the lunar month. Congregations are held throughout the country and animals are sacrificed in reminiscence of Hazrat Ibrahim's (AM) preparedness for the supreme sacrifice of his beloved son to Allah.

Durga Puja Durga Puja, the biggest festival of the Hindu community continues for ten days, the last three days being culmination with the idol immersed in rivers. In Dhaka the big celebrations are held at Dhakeswari Temple, where a fair is also held and at the Ram Krishna Mission.

Christmas Christmas is celebrated with pomp in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country. The city is decorative in the most festive look possible. Several day-long large gatherings are held at St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Portuguese Church at Tejgaon, Church of Bangladesh (Protestant) on Johnson Road and Bangladesh Baptist Sangha at Sadarghat Dhaka. Functions include illumination of churches, decorating Christmas tree and other Christian festivities.

FOOD Bangladesh mixes the pungent flavors of all the different South Asian countries into their food items. Though mostly influenced by Indian cuisine, Bangladeshi food has its own delicate taste. They cater to all taste buds in it exotic range of food.Western food is available in all major restaurants. The most popular food stores in the world including Piazza Hut, A&W, KFC, Baton Rouge and many other are available here. But the local dishes are normally far better and more exotic. Five star internationally renowned hotels such as the Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka Sheraton, Hotel Radisson and The Westin offer an exclusive range of the best of Bangladeshi cuisine, as well as intercontinental delicacies. Curries of many kinds around, cooked with proper spices and hot curry powders, including Korma, Rezala, Bhoona and Masala Gosht, Chicken, mutton, beef, fish and prawns, Chicken Afghani, Chicken Baghdadi, Chicken Kashmiri, Chicken Tikka, boti kabab, shutli kabab and a variety of fish curries should be tried. Rice in the form of pulao, biriani-with rice and mutton or chicken and khichuri are available in any reasonable restaurant. Those who do not care for rice dishes can try mughlai parata, plain parata or naan, which go very well with curries. Seafood and sweet-water fish are available in most of the towns. Fishlovers should not miss smoked hilsa, fresh bhetki and chingri (lobster/king prawns) malaikari, Prawn dopyaza. Street foods such as Fuchka, has won the heart of many outsiders. Bangladeshis make distinctive sweetmeats from milk products; some common ones are Rôshogolla, Chômchôm and Kalojam.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES The recreation industry has boomed over the past years in Bangladesh. Opening of Cineplex, Water Kingdom and Nandan Park has given a big part of the population places to spend time with friends and family. Numerous resorts spread out all over the country are also offering everyone a gateway from the chaos of the main city. Bangladesh is rich in plays, musical shows, exhibitions and festivals. Every day and night there is something going on in Dhaka. Dhaka is a city buzzing with cultural activities. Places like Baily Road, Shilpokola Academy and Dhaka University area are the cultural hub of the city. The nightlife industry is still developing, though a number of exclusive lounges offer excellent sets to dance the night away or just get away from home. The most visited of these are: Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, The Westin Dhaka, Dhaka Sheraton, Hotel Radisson, X-Lounge, International Recreation Club, Privilege Lounge, PM Lounge, Grill on the Skyline, Shisha World, Prego Bar, S Bar, Shudha Bar, Blaze Lounge and many others. If you fancy playing golf, head down to Kurmitola Golf club or Savaar Golf club. There are other recreational clubs such as Gulshan Club, American Club, Nordic Club, International Club, etc where you can play tennis, or shoot some pool, go swimming, drink at the bar, or even just hang out for a little chit chat.

SHOPPING Bangladesh is indeed a shoppers' paradise with a rich tradition in handicrafts at throw away prices. While muslin of ancient Dhaka has gone into history, other products such as contemporary paintings, wood works, shital pati (mattress having cooling effect), bamboo decoration pieces, cane and conch shell products, gold and silver ornament, cotton, silk, gold, silver, jute, reed, brassware, traditional dolls and leather goods also receive deep appreciation of the lovers of arts and crafts now and over the past centuries. In addition, Bangladesh is famous for pink pearl. Pink Pearl: Pink pearls are the best buy in Dhaka. These natural pro-ducts are unparallel in luster. Gold & Silver: A wide range of gold and silver ornaments, silver fili-gree works etc. are considered by many travelers to be unparalleled. Brass & Copperware: Among the best buys here are brass and copperware trays, wall decorations; vases etc. all are handmade with fine engravings and filigree work. Products made from the hides and skins of animals and reptiles, intricate wood carvings, cane and bamboo products, conch shell, bangles, embroidered quilts, jamdani and silk fabrics can also be bought. These are available in DIT market and a number of exclusive shops in New Elephant Road, Dhaka. Leather: Bangladesh’s humid climate is perfect for development of soft pliable animal skins. Very much is demand is goatskin, the quality of which is unmatched in other countries. Leather craftsman of the country, however, work against obstacles to create the fine leather products seen on the international market. Because most of the top quality hides are exported blue, what is left requires requires extra effort to process it into first quality leather.

Garments: Being one of the largest producers of garments in the world, Bangladesh caters garments and clothes at a very cheaper price with high quality. Duty- free Shopping: Duty free sales and display centers run by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (NTO) are located in Dhaka, Zia International Airport, Mohakhaii and Sylhet Airport. These shops enjoy the reputation of being well established with a wide range of goods at unbeatable prices. Goods available include wines and spirits, perfumes, cigarettes, hi-fi stereo and audio-visual equipment, Cameras, Watches and a range of household appliances. All purchases must be paid for in foreign currency. Shopping Centers: Most hotels have their own shopping arcades. But the main shopping center in Dhaka is Bashundhara city, is the largest shopping arcade in all of South Asia.

AIESEC in Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) AIESEC Bangladesh obtained its full membership status in the International Congress 1999 held in Durban, South Africa. It comprises of four local committees, which include AIESEC in North South University, AIESEC in BRAC University, AIESEC in American International University and AIESEC in Independent University, Bangladesh. AIESEC in Independent University, Bangladesh is the third Local Committee of AIESEC Bangladesh. It was formed in 2004 soon after AIESEC Bangladesh got its full membership status in the International Congress 1999 held in Durban, South Africa. This year AIESEC in IUB is celebrating its 6th year anniversary in the AIESEC network. With over 50 exchanges in its name, AIESEC in IUB has facilitated the exchange of Bangladeshi students to India, Malaysia and Russia and has accommodated incoming trainees from Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Norway, Netherlands, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Switzerland under its Student Exchange Program. Since its establishment, AIESEC in IUB has participated in many national and international conferences to train and develop its members. Some of the national meetings include National Leadership Development Seminar (NLDS) 2004, National Strategic Conference 2005, Annual Partners’ Meet 2006 and National Leadership Development Seminar (NLDS) 2007 and recently 2009. Some of the international meetings include Millennium Conference 1999, Heroes Conference 2008 and Asia Pacific Exchange Leadership Development Seminar (APXLDS) 2005, 2007 and 2008. AIESEC in IUB has also taken part in the biggest conferences in AIESEC, The International Congress (IC) 2008 held in Sao Paolo, Brazil and the International Congress 2009, held in Kualalampur, Malaysia. AIESEC in IUB also continually works with various issues and projects. Very recently, AIESEC Bangladesh became a part of Asia Pacific’s HEROES-HIV/AIDS Project. The project is aimed at educating and increasing the awareness among students about HIV/AIDS.

AIESEC in IUB Local Events Meet the Leaders (MTL)

Meet the Leaders are seminars usually organized by LCs separately as a part of their regular LC activities. It is where the commonly known icons and successful people who the youth looks up to as a role model in the society are invited to share their experiences and thoughts on the field they work on and also provide necessary guidelines to the AIESECers for their future. LIC (Local Induction Conference) AIESEC in all the LCs holds its Local Induction Conference for their new recruits every year after their annual recruitment. The timeline of the conference varies from two days to four. In LIC the new recruits learns about the culture of AIESEC and how it works. They are also given brief idea about different departments and exchange processes.

AIESEC Bangladesh National Events BD Night (Bangladeshi Night) BD Night is the night which had originally been introduced to let the trainees know more about our culture and customs. Over the years, BD Night has become an event not only for the trainees but also for all of the AIESECers to come together and enjoy with participation and enthusiasm.

NLDS (National Leadership Development Seminar) National Leadership Development Seminar is one of the most important conferences in the Bangladesh Calendar. NLDS usually used to be the conference where Newies would finish their induction into AIESEC and the executive bodies would receive functional skills but after the introduction of NIC last year which now primarily handles induction training, the primary objectives of the NLDS is to provide advanced training on functional areas and various issues that AIESEC Bangladesh is currently working on. This year NLDS 2009 was held in Zakaria City, Sylhet from January 7 to 10.

SUMMERCO SUMMERCO, previously known as the National Induction conference is meant entirely for the new recruits. This conference will deliver the big picture to a member and at the same time provide training on all functional departments in AIESEC. This is the second time that this induction oriented conference is taking place and it has now become a permanent part of the Bangladesh calendar. Last year SummerCo 2008 was held in Elenga Resort Tangail from July 31 to August 02. It was sponsored by CMYK and AFBL. All the four committee members took part in the conference with a total of 120 delegates.

TRAINEE SERVICING AIESEC will help the trainee with some paper work and document to get a proper visa. After arrival, there will be 12 AIESEC members looking after the trainee whenever needed. These members will arrange for logistical services, such as – Accommodation, Pickup and relocation of the intern. And other necessary support of the trainee.

TRAINEE ACCOMODATION AIESEC in IUB would be arranging for trainee accommodation, which would be at the International Trainee House of IUB. The apartment is conveniently located at Baridhara, the diplomatic zone of Dhaka city. Typically, such apartments in this zone would cost about US$600 -US$1000 per month for rent. Luckily, AIESEC in IUB offers these apartments in a very cheaper price. It will cost around only BDT 5000 per month (around US$70). All essential facilities are available for the trainee at the trainee house. The house is luxurious and furnished with facilities such as air conditioner, hot water, internet, refrigerator, etc but NO washing machine. However, there is a HOUSEKEEPER who hand washes your clothes, and also looks after everything. It is great because you don’t have to worry about your delicate clothes being spoiled by the washing machine! At the trainee house you will be provided with all your necessities by order and a guarantee of efficient services throughout the stay of the trainee in Bangladesh. Other accommodation costs in the capital city might be more expensive should the you opt to live elsewhere, but when you can have such a cheaper accommodation at such a great place, why not avail it! The best part about the apartment is that you have a beautiful park right outside the house. There is also a mall and even an open market bazaar – whatever tickles your fancy – outside Baridhara gates (within short walking distance).

TRAINEE FOOD Trainee can have any kind of food (usually they eat for lunch and dinner) if they want they can buy from market or if they want they make their own food. Trainee house have full facility to make their own food, they can have the common Bangladeshi meals which includes rice cooked fish meat and vegetables which would cost around $ 71 (Tk 5000) a month or he can order food from restaurants. There are also several Thai, Mexican, Italian, Indian restaurants available in Dhaka where trainees can enjoy delicious meals where each meal in a day would cost about $ 8(Tk 550) in quality restaurants. Costs for cooked “deshi” food per meal would be $ 3 (Tk 200). But trainees should prepare themselves for spicy foods.

Fion Fung from Hong Kong enjoying her favourite Bar-B-Q Chicken

Trainee having a family dinner in a local AIESECer’s house

The famous Bangladeshi fuchka

TRAINEE COUNTRY TOUR Trainees will be taken occasionally to sight seeing out of the bustling humdrums of Dhaka city. They may wish to visit the sea, historical sites or explore natural beauty of Bangladesh. Common places which attract trainees include Chittagong, Cox’s Bazaar, Sonargaon, Sylhet and so on.

OTHER COSTS Clubs- Normal parties entry- Tk 500 Celebrity parties’ entry- Tk 2500 Bus Pass- Tk 20 Taxi cost minimum : TK 80 CNG cost minimum : Tk 40 Rickshaw cost minimum : 5 TK *Travelling cost depends on the trainee. **All the cost depends on the distance of travelling Movies- Cineplex- Tk 170 (highest) Alcoholic Drinks in a bar- Tk 100 (1 shot)

EXCHANGE RATE Bangladesh Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) US$ (United States Dollar) 1 = 68.88 BDT € 1 (Euro) = 101.36 BDT £1 (Great Britain Pound Sterling) = 112.06 BDT 1 INR (Indian Rupees) = 1.43 BDT 1 AUD (Australian Dollar) = 59.72 BDT 1 CAD (Canadian Dollar) = 64.41 BDT 1 NZD (New Zealand Dollar) = 48.79 BDT 1 HKD (Hong Kong Dollar) = 8.89 BDT 1 Yen (Japanese Yen) = 0.75 BDT 1 MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) = 19.83 BDT 1 SGD (Singapore Dollar) = 48.68 BDT 1 TWD (Taiwan Dollar) = 2.13 BDT 1 SEK (Swedish Krona) = 10.04 BDT

(All the exchange rates are subject to fluctuations and will vary from time to time. But this is just an average exchange rate on a particular day to provide an estimation) * Exchange rate as per September 20, 2009 (http://finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter)

CONTACTS AIESEC in INDEPENDENT UNIVERSITY, BANGLADESH Nazia Sultana Local Committee President E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Anika Noor Local Committee Vice President InComing eXchange & External Relations E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Hossain Shahriar Local Committee Vice President Communications E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Kh. Mashfaque Abdullah Local Committee Vice President Finance & Administration E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] MD. Fahim Kabir Local Committee Vice President OutGoing eXchange E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Iffat Karim Local Committee Vice President Talent Management E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Prepared by Hossain Shahriar Modified by Anika Noor