Day 1: Arrival in Dhaka

Weather Update: Overcast (Smog) 19°C

Elevation Above Sea Water: 9 Metres (Depends on the area; some places are lower than sea level)

Flight and First Impressions

The flight was uneventful, and air travel seems the only viable option at the moment. We were served a meal onboard, which, for airline food, was surprisingly good. I had chicken and rice with something I couldn't quite identify, but it tasted great. A friendly local sat beside me and promised to give me a lift upon arrival. He left without me, though, after the tedious visa-on-arrival process.

Haggling for a Ride

Once outside, I haggled for a lift. Despite knowing a bus was available, I opted for a private car, which initially started at USD 84 but eventually came down to $25. Although still pricey, it proved to be the best choice.

Traffic Chaos

Dhaka's traffic is beyond astonishing. I've experienced Jakarta and Hanoi, but this was on another level. Data suggests that by 2030, it will take an hour to travel just 4 km! The roads are poorly maintained and congested, leading to a continuous stream of accidents. Buses, cars, motorbikes, and tuk-tuks squeeze into every possible gap, causing frequent collisions.

Infrastructure Woes

The roads are riddled with potholes, and there's no significant drainage system, causing water to seep into the roads and damage the pavements. Public transport is unreliable, leading to a heavy reliance on private vehicles. Traffic congestion and air pollution are significant issues, costing the economy billions annually.