Dhaka - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Probably good for single men. Most single men end up spending time with a lady here. I think it's harder for single women since local men typically don't treat women well. It's best for families, but with the pollution you might not want to bring a child here. It's ironic that a place that is set up to be best for children is actually the worst for children healthwise. - Jul 2023
Good for families. Single people would have difficulties. The mores of Muslim culture dominate. Dating isn't a thing, most marriages are arranged. - Dec 2021
Yes. I've been single and married with kids. It's great for both, especially younger kids. - Sep 2021
Single people, dating life can be challenging. Tinder is .... just don't do it if you're a woman. Men seem to do ok. - Jun 2019
There is a decent singles scene but it is small. I've heard that expats use tinder as well. - Jul 2018
Dhaka is a great post for single people who wish to stay single. Opportunities to date are virtually nonexistent. (For that matter, opportunities to socialize are virtually nonexistent.) Couples seem to do OK. Families are not allowed at post in view of the security restrictions. - Apr 2017
It might be good for families with young children, but it is not good for anyone else. - Jun 2016
Honestly, I don't know if Dhaka is good for anyone at this point. - May 2016
It's a hard city for everyone. Hours of day in a traffic, significant pollution, constant construction noise. - Jun 2015
yes - Mar 2015
Definitely not a good city for singles, especially women. Couples do okay. Many families here, I personally don't recommend this place for small children (nutrition/health reasons) but there are so many young kids. - Sep 2014
It's not bad for anyone in terms of socializing, etc. - Aug 2014
Families like it here. Singles either get into the club scene or go slowly crazy. Everyone travels as much as they can. - Jul 2014
The majority of the embassy personnel are married with kids. Single people are by no means excluded, though. It's definitely not quiet or boring as a single woman, but it's a tough place to date. - Aug 2013
Have you read the UK Telegraph report? Dhaka was just rated the worst city to live in. I don't think the rating is entirely fair, but I wouldn't say it is a "good city" for any of the groups. It is a good city for anyone who likes to live in an interesting place and can appreciate the challenges of a hot, crowded, relatively poor mega-city. It is a good city for someone who likes living in a city that is definitely not in the Unites States or Switzerland or New Zealand -- and who approaches traffic jams with a sense of adventure. - Apr 2013
Great for families! There is a large group here of all varieties. Families have a lot of time. Couples seem to do fine and travel a lot. Singles may have a bit of a harder time, but still there are many here and they stick together. Dating locally may be minimal, especially for women. - Aug 2011
I think families that are completely enveloped in their children's lives and do nothing aside from extracurricular activities might enjoy it here. Otherwise they'll suffer with the rest of us. Honestly I have no idea how singles survive Dhaka, aside from getting away one a month. - Jun 2011
Families are about the only people who seem genuinely happy here - if you're willing to have your life consist of going to work, after school activities, and the American club, it's not a terrible place to live. If you're not a family with young-ish children, though, life here is pretty miserable. There's really nothing at all to do, no social outlets, no restaurants and cafes with what one would call 'atmosphere,' no clubs, no bars, no book stores, no malls, no movie theaters, no sidewalks, no pedestrianized streets. People tend to go crazy after two months and leave the country for at least a weekend, every two months (or more). - Feb 2011
The school is good and a lot of families are happy with Dhaka because of the school. Others might find it boring because there is not a lot to do other than go to the American Club. - Jan 2011
It is not a good city for families, singles, or couples. It is also not a good city for most Bangladeshis who live here, except the super rich. - Jan 2011
The school is quite good, so many families with school-aged children seem to like it. For couples, and particularly singles, there are limited social options available, but some singles felt the lifestyle was too restrictive and social options lacking. - Oct 2010
Mostly this is a good post for families with young children. High schoolers do benefit from a good school as well, but they have a harder time socially. It is not as good for singles. - Apr 2010
It is probably best for families with young children--they enjoy the American Club and the school, help is inexpensive, etc. Older kids seem to like the school but may get bored. It's not a great scene for singles or couples--there just isn't that much to do. For singles, there is a decent-sized expat community; dating Bangladeshis is rare, however, as local social/family networks are very insular, and many marriages are still arranged. That being said, people all try to make the most of it. - Oct 2009
Hm. It can be. I think families with school-age children do the best. Couples are problably next as long as the spouse has meaningful employment. Singles probably have the toughest time. - Aug 2009
Couples and families with small children seem to have the best experience here. Most singles have a hard time, but some do okay. There is a big expat community from the NGO and garment sectors with a decent single's scene. - Mar 2009
Probably better for singles, depending on your objectives. - Nov 2008
Great for families with young children. - Oct 2008
Yes to all. - Mar 2008
it's a good city for what you make of it. Despite what you might think, there is a thriving social scene. There are parties often. Several restaurants have music nights on a reglar basis. The clubs are a good place to hang out and there is somewhat of an art scene - galleries often have showings. From my experience, it isn't any easier or harder based upon your relationship status. Dating opportunities are limited, but still exist. - Feb 2008
