World War II Cemetery

District:Chittagong•Division:Chittagong

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12/4/2025

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About

A Peaceful Tribute to World War II Heroes

The Chittagong War Cemetery is a beautifully maintained memorial site honoring soldiers who died during World War II.

Also known as the Commonwealth War Cemetery, it is one of only two such cemeteries in Bangladesh (the other is in Comilla).

This quiet, dignified place offers visitors a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made during one of history's deadliest conflicts.

Why Chittagong Was Important During WWII

During World War II, Chittagong played a key role in the fight against Japan's advance into Southeast Asia.

The British Fourteenth Army set up their pioneer camp here, along with army training facilities.

The British General Hospital No.

152 operated from December 1944 to October 1945, treating wounded soldiers from the Burma Campaign.

Many who died from their injuries were buried here.

Who Rests Here

The cemetery contains 731 Commonwealth graves from 1939-1945, with 17 unidentified soldiers.

The nationalities include 378 British, 214 from undivided India, 90 from West Africa, 25 Canadians, 11 from East Africa, 9 Australians, and 2 from New Zealand.

By profession, there are 543 soldiers, 194 airmen, and 14 sailors, plus 4 civilians.

Interestingly, 19 Japanese soldiers and 1 Dutch Navy seaman are also buried here.

The Beautiful Grounds

The cemetery covers about 7 acres and was once paddy fields.

Today it is a peaceful garden with over 40 species of trees and more than 100 types of flowering plants.

The burial area sits at the bottom of a slope, entered through a metal gate flanked by two small brick chapels.

Each grave has a white headstone with the soldier's name, rank, and regiment.

Annual Remembrance

Every year on November 11 (Remembrance Day), diplomats and officials from Commonwealth countries visit to pay their respects.

This ceremony keeps alive the memory of those who gave their lives far from home.

Visitors interested in learning more about Bangladesh's history can also visit the nearby Ethnological Museum or the Zia Memorial Museum which chronicles the nation's independence movement.

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

•Completely free entry for all visitors

•No tickets or registration required

•Open to people of all nationalities

Photography

•Photography is allowed for personal use

•No fees for taking photos

•Commercial photography may require prior permission from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Opening Hours

Regular Hours

•Morning: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Noon)

•Afternoon: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

•The cemetery is closed during the midday break from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Weekly Schedule

•Open all seven days of the week

•No weekly holidays

Special Closures

•May close during severe weather conditions

•Special arrangements during Remembrance Day ceremony (November 11)

Best Entry Times

•Arrive early in the morning for the most peaceful experience

•Late afternoon visits offer beautiful golden hour lighting for photography

Important Notes

•Gates close promptly at closing time

•Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing for a meaningful visit

•No overnight visits or camping allowed

Time Needed

Quick Visit

•30-45 minutes: Enough time to walk through the main areas and see the key memorials

Standard Visit

•1-1.5 hours: Recommended for a meaningful visit. Allows you to:

•Walk through all sections of the cemetery

•Read the inscriptions on headstones

•Visit the central memorial and Cross of Sacrifice

•Appreciate the beautiful garden setting

•Take photos and reflect

Extended Visit

•2+ hours: For history enthusiasts who want to:

•Study individual graves and their stories

•Read the commemorative plaques in detail

•Sketch or photograph extensively

•Simply sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere

Combining with Nearby Attractions

•The cemetery can be combined with visits to nearby Chittagong attractions

•Consider pairing with the Ethnological Museum or Zia Memorial Museum for a full day of exploration

Best Time to Visit

Best Season

•November to February (Winter): The most pleasant time with cool, dry weather perfect for outdoor walks

•October and March: Good transitional months with comfortable temperatures

•Avoid June to September if possible due to heavy monsoon rains

Best Time of Day

•Early morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Peaceful atmosphere, cooler temperatures, beautiful morning light

•Late afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Pleasant evening light, less harsh sun

Special Days to Visit

•November 11 (Remembrance Day): Annual ceremony held with dignitaries, wreaths laid, and formal remembrance. A moving experience if you want to witness the official commemoration

•ANZAC Day (April 25): Australian and New Zealand Army Corps remembrance, sometimes marked at the cemetery

Weekday vs Weekend

•Weekdays are quieter with fewer visitors, ideal for peaceful reflection

•Weekends may have more local visitors and families

•Both are equally good for visiting

How to Reach

By Road

The cemetery is located in Dampara, one of Chittagong's central localities.

The address is No.19 Badsha Mia Chowdhury Road.

It is easily accessible from all parts of the city.

From Chittagong Railway Station

•Distance: About 3 kilometers

•Take a CNG auto-rickshaw directly to "War Cemetery" or "Commonwealth Cemetery"

•Journey takes about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic

•Fare: Around 80-120 BDT

From Shah Amanat International Airport

•Distance: About 10 kilometers

•Take a taxi or CNG auto-rickshaw to Dampara War Cemetery

•Journey takes about 25-35 minutes

•Fare: Around 300-400 BDT by taxi

From New Market Area

•Distance: About 2 kilometers

•Short CNG ride or even walkable for those who enjoy walking

•Journey takes about 5-10 minutes by CNG

•Fare: Around 40-60 BDT

Local Transport Options

•CNG auto-rickshaws are the most convenient option

•City buses pass through nearby main roads

•Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Pathao work well in Chittagong

•Tell the driver "Commonwealth War Cemetery" or "Dampara War Cemetery"

Nearby Landmarks

•Chittagong Medical College Hospital is close by

•Dampara Police Station is in the same area

•Chittagong Club is nearby

Facilities

Cemetery Grounds

•Well-maintained burial area with white headstones

•Two small brick chapels at the entrance gate

•Narrow tarmacked pathways throughout

•Memorial book containing names of 6,500 naval personnel whose bodies were never found

•Shaded areas with mature trees

•Peaceful garden setting with flowering plants

Visitor Information

•Information boards about the cemetery's history

•List of burials by nationality and regiment

•Maps showing layout of the cemetery

•CWGC (Commonwealth War Graves Commission) maintained site

Natural Environment

•Over 40 species of trees including jungle and fruit trees

•More than 100 types of flowering plants

•Beautiful landscaped gardens

•Shaded walkways for comfortable walking

•Birds and wildlife in the peaceful environment

Basic Amenities

•Clean pathways for walking

•Seating areas for rest and reflection

•Parking space available near entrance

•Entry gate with security

Memorial Features

•Individual white headstones for each grave

•Cross of Sacrifice monument

•Stone of Remembrance

•Plaques with historical information

•Flowers planted around graves

Accessibility

•Flat, paved pathways suitable for most visitors

•Main burial area at ground level

•Open spaces for easy movement

•Staff available during opening hours

Things to Do

Walk Through History

•Walk along the rows of white headstones

•Read the names, ages, and regiments on each grave

•Notice soldiers from different countries: Britain, India, Canada, Australia, Africa

•Find the graves of the 19 Japanese soldiers

•See graves of soldiers as young as 18 years old

Learn About World War II

•Understand Chittagong's role in stopping Japanese advance

•Learn about the Burma Campaign (1944-1945)

•Read about the British Fourteenth Army

•Discover stories of soldiers from undivided India

•See the memorial book with 6,500 naval personnel names

Pay Your Respects

•Observe a moment of silence at the Stone of Remembrance

•Reflect at the Cross of Sacrifice

•Place flowers at graves if you wish

•Honor the sacrifice of soldiers who died far from home

•Think about the human cost of war

Enjoy the Peaceful Garden

•Walk through the beautifully landscaped grounds

•Identify different species of trees and flowers

•Listen to birdsong in this quiet sanctuary

•Take a peaceful break from the busy city

•Sit in shaded areas for quiet reflection

Photography and Documentation

•Take respectful photos of the cemetery grounds

•Photograph the beautiful flowering plants

•Document the historic headstones

•Capture the peaceful atmosphere

•Record information for school projects or personal interest

Attend Special Events

•Visit on November 11 (Remembrance Day) for the annual ceremony

•Watch dignitaries lay wreaths

•Join in the two-minute silence

•Learn about Commonwealth memorial traditions

Combine with Other Historical Sites

•Visit the Ethnological Museum to learn about Bangladesh's diverse ethnic groups

•Explore the Zia Memorial Museum for modern Bangladeshi history

•Tour Chandanpura Mosque to see Mughal-era architecture

Do's and Don'ts

DOs

✓Maintain complete silence and speak very softly - this is a sacred memorial

✓Walk slowly and respectfully between the graves

✓Show respect by not stepping on the graves

✓Read the headstones to learn about each soldier's story

✓Dress modestly and appropriately for a cemetery visit

✓Observe a moment of silence to honor the fallen

✓Keep children close and teach them about the cemetery's significance

✓Take off your hat as a sign of respect

✓Place flowers gently if you wish to pay tribute

✓Stay on the designated pathways

✓Keep the cemetery clean - take your trash with you

✓Learn about World War II history to appreciate the site

DON'Ts

✗Do not make loud noises or play music

✗Do not run, play, or engage in recreational activities

✗Do not sit or lean on the headstones

✗Do not picnic or eat on the cemetery grounds

✗Do not pick flowers or disturb plants

✗Do not litter anywhere in the cemetery

✗Do not smoke anywhere on the premises

✗Do not bring pets into the cemetery

✗Do not take selfies with graves - keep photography respectful

✗Do not touch or move any memorial items

✗Do not enter restricted areas

✗Do not visit outside opening hours

Safety Tips

General Safety

•The cemetery is a very safe and peaceful place with no major safety concerns

•Grounds are well-maintained with clear pathways and good visibility

•Security personnel may be present during visiting hours

Walking Around

•Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking on grass and paved paths

•Watch your step around grave markers and memorial stones

•Stay on designated pathways to avoid disturbing the graves

Weather Precautions

•Bring an umbrella during monsoon season (June to September)

•Carry water and stay hydrated, especially during hot summer months

•Seek shade under the many trees if you feel overheated

Health Tips

•Apply mosquito repellent as the garden environment may have insects

•Carry basic first aid items if you have any medical conditions

•The cemetery has no medical facilities, so plan accordingly

Emergency Information

•Chittagong Medical College Hospital is about 2 kilometers away

•Local police station is nearby in Dampara area

•Keep your phone charged for any emergency calls

Location

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World War II Cemetery

Find Places to Stay Near World War II Cemetery

About

A Peaceful Tribute to World War II Heroes

Why Chittagong Was Important During WWII

Who Rests Here

The Beautiful Grounds

Annual Remembrance

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Entry Fee

Photography

Opening Hours

Regular Hours

Weekly Schedule

Special Closures

Best Entry Times

Important Notes

Time Needed

Quick Visit

Standard Visit

Extended Visit

Combining with Nearby Attractions

Best Time to Visit

Best Season

Best Time of Day

Special Days to Visit

Weekday vs Weekend

How to Reach

By Road

From Chittagong Railway Station

From Shah Amanat International Airport

From New Market Area

Local Transport Options

Nearby Landmarks

Facilities

Cemetery Grounds

Visitor Information

Natural Environment

Basic Amenities

Memorial Features

Accessibility

Things to Do

Walk Through History

Learn About World War II

Pay Your Respects

Enjoy the Peaceful Garden

Photography and Documentation

Attend Special Events

Combine with Other Historical Sites

Do's and Don'ts

DOs

DON'Ts

Safety Tips

General Safety

Walking Around

Weather Precautions

Health Tips

Emergency Information

Location

Reviews

More Places in Chittagong

Karnaphuli River Cruise Area

Ethnological Museum

Zia Memorial Museum

Patenga Beach

Estimated Cost

Entry Cost

Transportation Costs (Approximate)

Total Budget for Visit

Tips for Saving Money

Reviews

More Places in Chittagong

Karnaphuli River Cruise Area

Ethnological Museum

Zia Memorial Museum

Patenga Beach