Bangladesh Maritime Museum
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The Bangladesh Maritime Museum is a unique destination that brings the country's seafaring history to life.
Run by the Bangladesh Navy, this museum takes you on a journey through the nation's rich relationship with the sea and rivers.
Located on Naval Avenue Road in Chittagong's Kazir Dewri area, the museum sits in the old seamanship class building.
The moment you step inside, you'll notice the distinctive ocean-blue lighting that creates an underwater feel throughout the building.
The museum spreads across three floors, each telling a different part of the maritime story:
What sets this museum apart is how it connects the sea to everyday life.
You'll learn about:
Whether you're interested in ships, curious about naval history, or just looking for something different to do in Chittagong, this museum offers an eye-opening experience for visitors of all ages.
If you enjoy museums, the Ethnological Museum and Zia Memorial Museum are other great options in the city.
November to February is the ideal time to visit.
The weather is pleasant and comfortable for walking through the museum floors.
The museum is on Naval Avenue Road in Kazir Dewri area, inside the Bangladesh Marine Academy compound.
After your museum visit, consider exploring the Karnaphuli River Cruise Area to see real maritime activity, or visit Patenga Container Terminal View to watch massive cargo ships at Bangladesh's busiest port.
**A River Full of Stories** The [Karnaphuli River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnaphuli_River) is the heart of Chittagong. This 270-kilometer river starts its journey in India's Mizoram hills and flows through the Chittagong Hill Tracts before meeting the Bay of Bengal. The river is about 667 meters wide and has been the lifeline of Chittagong for thousands of years. **The Legend Behind the Name** The name "Karnaphuli" comes from a beautiful love story. Long ago, an Arakanese princess was enjoying a moonlit boat ride with a prince. She spotted a lovely flower and placed it on her ear. When the flower fell into the water, the heartbroken princess jumped in to retrieve it. The prince tried to save her but both were swept away by the current. "Karnaphul" means "ear flower" in Bengali - a tribute to this tragic tale of love. **Why Take a River Cruise?** A cruise on the Karnaphuli offers you a unique view of Chittagong. You'll see: - The busy Chittagong Port handling ships from around the world - Fishing boats and massive oil tankers sharing the water - Traditional wooden boats called sampans - Fishermen mending their nets along the banks - Aircraft approaching Shah Amanat Airport - Beautiful sunsets over the river mouth (Mohona) **Chittagong Boat Club** The main cruise hub is Chittagong Boat Club in Patenga. Established in 1990 under Bangladesh Navy supervision, this 2.1-acre club sits right where the river meets the sea. Their luxury cruise ship "Western Cruise" can carry 200 passengers and offers the best way to experience the Karnaphuli. **Historical Importance** The Karnaphuli has always been central to Chittagong's trade and transport. Before modern roads, people depended on boats to move goods and travel. The first railway bridge over the river was built in 1931, later becoming a road bridge in 1962. Today, the river still connects Chittagong to the sea and remains vital for the country's economy. Combine your cruise with a visit to [Patenga Beach](/tourist-places/patenga-beach) nearby for sunset, or learn about maritime heritage at the [Bangladesh Maritime Museum](/tourist-places/bangladesh-maritime-museum).
**A Unique Window into Bangladesh's Tribal Heritage** The Ethnological Museum in Chittagong is Bangladesh's only museum dedicated to the country's diverse tribal communities. It is also one of just two ethnological museums in all of Asia - the other being in Japan. This makes it a truly special place to learn about the rich cultures of indigenous peoples. **History and Background** The museum was established in 1965 on 1.25 acres of land in the Agrabad commercial area. It opened to the public on January 9, 1974, when Education Minister Yusuf Ali inaugurated it. The museum was created to preserve the history and traditions of Bangladesh's ethnic minorities and to promote understanding between different communities. **What You'll Find Inside** The museum has 11 galleries spread across a single-story building. These galleries showcase the daily lives, customs, and traditions of 29 different ethnic groups. You'll see displays about 25 Bangladeshi communities including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo, and Santals from the [Chittagong Hill Tracts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittagong_Hill_Tracts). There are also exhibits about tribal groups from India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and Germany. **Unique Exhibits** One of the most surprising items in the museum is an actual piece of the Berlin Wall from Germany, which fell in 1989. The central hall features a large map showing where all the ethnic groups live across Bangladesh. Near it, you'll find a model of a typical Chakma homestead that gives you a sense of traditional tribal life. **How the Exhibits Are Arranged** Each gallery focuses on different communities and aspects of their lives. You'll see traditional clothing, jewelry, weapons, farming tools, musical instruments, boats, and household items. The displays use models, photographs, wall paintings, and recreated environments to bring tribal life to vivid detail. Small plaques explain each exhibit in simple terms. If you enjoy museums, also visit the [Bangladesh Maritime Museum](/tourist-places/bangladesh-maritime-museum) to learn about naval heritage and the [Zia Memorial Museum](/tourist-places/zia-memorial-museum) for Bangladesh's political history.
**A Historic Building with a Powerful Story** The Zia Memorial Museum is housed in the old Chittagong Circuit House, a beautiful colonial building constructed in 1913 on a small hill. This building has witnessed some of the most important events in Bangladesh's history. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to the memory of President [Ziaur Rahman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziaur_Rahman), who was tragically killed here in 1981. **The Building's Journey Through History** The British built this circuit house in 1913 as a residence for visiting government officials. In 1954, Radio Pakistan started broadcasting from this building. During the 1971 [Liberation War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh_Liberation_War), the Pakistani army used it as their military base and sadly turned some rooms into torture cells. After liberation on December 17, 1971, the Bangladesh flag was raised here for the first time in Chittagong. **The Tragic Event of 1981** On May 30, 1981, President Ziaur Rahman was staying in Room No. 4 of this circuit house during his visit to Chittagong. That night, he was killed in a military coup. Shortly after, the government decided to convert this historic building into a memorial museum. It was officially opened to the public on September 6, 1993. **What Makes This Museum Special** The museum is a branch of Bangladesh National Museum and houses over 1,000 artifacts across 17 galleries. It tells the complete story of Ziaur Rahman's life - from his time before the Liberation War, his role in the war itself, his presidency, and his tragic death. The museum preserves the actual room where he was killed, along with the bullet marks on the wall. **A Key Piece of Liberation War History** One of the most important items here is the original microphone and transmitter from Kalurghat Radio Center. This is the very equipment that Ziaur Rahman used to broadcast the Declaration of Independence on behalf of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 27, 1971. History enthusiasts can also explore the nearby [Bangladesh Maritime Museum](/tourist-places/bangladesh-maritime-museum) for naval history or the [Ethnological Museum](/tourist-places/ethnological-museum) for cultural heritage.
Patenga Beach is one of the most popular sea beaches in Bangladesh, located about 14 kilometers south of Chittagong city. Sitting at the point where the Karnaphuli River meets the [Bay of Bengal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_of_Bengal), this beach offers a unique experience that combines river and sea views in one spot. **What Makes Patenga Special** Unlike the long sandy stretches of Cox's Bazar, Patenga has its own charm. The beach is famous for its stunning sunset views. As the sun goes down, you can watch cargo ships anchored at Chittagong Port light up like a sparkling city on the water. Ships from different countries, each flying their own flag, create a beautiful sight against the orange sky. The beach has a stone embankment with walking paths and seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the view. Recent improvements by the Chittagong Development Authority have added colorful lamp posts that light up at night, making evening visits magical. **A Gateway to Chittagong** Patenga is more than just a beach. It sits near Shah Amanat International Airport, so you can often watch planes taking off and landing. The Bangladesh Naval Academy and Navy Base are nearby, adding to the area's importance. The famous Karnaphuli Tunnel, Bangladesh's first underwater tunnel, connects both sides of the river near here. You can also enjoy a scenic [Karnaphuli River Cruise](/tourist-places/karnaphuli-river-cruise-area) that departs from the nearby jetty. **Local Flavor** The Burmese Market at Patenga is a must-visit. Here you'll find dried fish, seafood, and unique marine handicrafts. Street food vendors sell delicious fried crabs, local snacks, and fresh seafood at affordable prices. The smell of roasted fish and spices fills the air, giving you a true taste of coastal Chittagong. For Chittagong residents, Patenga is a beloved escape from city life. Families gather here for evening walks, friends meet to watch sunsets, and couples enjoy romantic moments by the water. On holidays and weekends, the beach comes alive with picnickers, horse riders, and speedboat enthusiasts. For those interested in maritime history, the [Bangladesh Maritime Museum](/tourist-places/bangladesh-maritime-museum) is located nearby and showcases the country's rich naval heritage.
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