So you’re thinking of booking a trip, but are worried about if you can drink in Bangladesh, or whether it will be a dry week? Well, the good news is that you can definitely drink in Bangladesh, but there are rules and regulations, cultural norms, and, well, you should not exactly expect Vegas.
What though are the rules, where can you get your hands on the good stuff and indeed, what is the Bangladeshi drinking scene? Well once again YPT tackle the important issues.
Drinking laws of Bangladesh
Bangladesh has an interesting relationship with alcohol. When the country became independent in 1971, it inherited a mix of British colonial laws and the prohibitionist tendencies of neighbouring Pakistan. For a while, alcohol was outright banned for Muslims but remained technically legal for non-Muslims and foreigners. Over the years the laws have been relaxed a little but still carry a conservative edge. These days it is fully legal for foreigners to buy and consume alcohol in Bangladesh, although there are rules about where and how you can do it.
The sale of alcohol is regulated by the Department of Narcotics Control, and you technically need a permit if you are a Muslim citizen. For non-Muslims or foreigners, you can legally drink at licensed hotels, bars, and clubs. There are even a handful of government liquor shops where tourists can buy alcohol with a passport. You will not find bottles in supermarkets or local minimarts, and you are definitely not allowed to drink in public. But legal drinking for foreigners? Yes. Just don’t expect a pub on every corner.
Photo: chirag
How to get drink in Bangladesh
If you are in Dhaka, things are straightforward enough. There are a number of hotels, private clubs, and liquor stores where alcohol is available for foreigners. The bigger hotels usually have their own bar or can discreetly provide drinks to guests. In neighbourhoods like Gulshan and Banani you will also find expat clubs that serve alcohol, sometimes to members only, but often happy to let you in if you look the part or have a local contact.
In smaller cities like Khulna or Sylhet, it gets a bit trickier. Alcohol isn’t as readily available, but it’s still possible to find it if you know where to look. Local clubs and hotels will sometimes have alcohol available, but more often than not, it’s a bit of a secret. If you ask around, there’s usually someone who can hook you up. The “guy” who knows “the guy” is alive and well in Bangladesh, and as long as you’re discreet, you’ll likely get your hands on something cold.
You’ll also find bars and local hangouts that offer beer and whisky, usually tucked away out of sight. They’re not obvious to the casual observer, but ask the right people, and you’ll be in the know.
Drinking etiquette in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is not only a predominantly Muslim country but also a fairly conservative one. This means that public drinking, as well as public drunkenness, are not just frowned upon, but could very well get you into trouble.
Generally though, when you do things like take a train, ferry, or are in the privacy of a nice waterside resort, you can do as you please. We were lucky enough on our ferry that the captain opened up a whole section for us to party on! It’s not often you get a ferry party in full swing, but when you’re with the right crowd, the boundaries of what’s acceptable get pushed a little.
That said, be mindful of your surroundings. You won’t see many people openly drinking on the streets of Dhaka or Chittagong, and that’s part of the culture. It’s best to enjoy a drink in a more private, controlled setting like a hotel bar or a licensed club. If you find yourself in a group of locals, it’s not uncommon for them to offer you a drink, but expect to be in a setting where everyone is being discreet.
The Dhaka Nightlife scene
Dhaka has a surprisingly good nightlife scene if you know where to look. While it’s not a party capital by any means, you’ll find enough to keep you entertained. The expat areas like Gulshan and Banani have a solid collection of bars and clubs, although they tend to be private or semi-private. Many of these clubs are members-only, but if you’re with someone local or can charm your way in, you’ll find cold beers and decent spirits behind the bar.
For something more laid-back, head to one of the hotel bars in Dhaka, which usually serve a good range of spirits and beers. Places like the Westin or the Radisson Blu are decent spots for a night out if you’re looking for something low-key. They often have live music, and the crowd is a mix of locals and expats. If you’re looking for something a little more exclusive, there are private clubs like the Dhaka Club, which offer a posher experience but tend to have stricter entry rules.
If you’re after something more lively, the rooftop bars are where it’s at. Many of the nicer hotels in Dhaka have rooftop bars offering views over the city and an extensive drinks menu. The vibe is relaxed but with a touch of class, perfect for sipping on a drink while watching the sunset. Be sure to get there early though, as these places can get crowded fast.
5 Drinks to Try in Bangladesh
Essentially it is ALL about Hunter’s Beer, which looks, smells and tastes a lot like Fosters – as we mention in our article on Bengali cuisine. If though you are spending longer here, there are other drinks worth a hit.
5. Bagpiper Whisky – A popular whisky in Bangladesh, it’s widely available and mixes easily with whatever local cola they have. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for something that goes down easy after a long day of exploring.
4. Royal Tiger Energy Drink with Vodka – This one’s a bit of a local concoction. It’s a mix of strong energy drink with local vodka, and while it’s not for everyone, it’s a quick way to get into the spirit of Bangladesh’s drinking culture. It’s commonly found in local clubs.
3. Imperial Blue Whisky – This is another very popular Indian whisky that’s made its way into Bangladeshi clubs and bars. It’s smooth enough to drink neat or on the rocks and is often enjoyed by locals as a go-to drink at the end of a long day.
2. Golap Wine – A local fruit wine made from rose apples, it’s not available everywhere, but when you find it, it’s an experience. It’s sweet, slightly syrupy, and definitely something you won’t find anywhere else.
1. Hunter’s Beer – Essentially the national beer of Bangladesh. OK so it is a Fosters clone, but we still like it and it is definitely our weapon of choice when we want refreshment!
If you’d like to travel to Bangladesh and enjoy a new or two then check out tours to the country.
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