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The second largest city in Bangladesh sits on the bank of the Karnaphuli River and has an interesting old waterfront area known as Sadarghat which reflects the importance of river trade to the city's growth. Nearby is the old Portuguese enclave of Paterghata which remains mostly Christian and has a colonial church. The Shahi Jama-e-Masjid and Qadam Mubarak Mosque are two of the most impressive buildings in the city. It's also worth visiting the Ethnological Museum in the Agrabad area which has quite interesting displays on Bangladesh's tribal peoples. There are good views and cooling breezes from Fairy Hill in the British City in the northwestern sector of the city. The markets (Reazuddin Bazaar) and the goldsmith lane
(Hazari guli) are really worth a visit -- and a sampan river journey is a must. North of the city is the ship-breaking yards, a real experience in recycling if you're willing to breath in burning bilge and asbestos. A day or two here is plenty.