Culture of Chittagong

Port city from early times, Chittagong attracted people from various regions of the world. These international contacts left a lasting impact on the language, religion and culture of the city. The people of the city are diverse and multi-ethnic, and the native Bengali and Tibeto-Burman populations have had significant influence from Arab, Afghan, and Mughal traders and settlers, all of whom had traveled in the city after arriving on its shores many hundreds of years ago. There are many Tibeto-Burman tribes that have been influenced by Bengali culture also living there, such as the Chakma tribe. The descendants of Portuguese settlers, known as the Firingi, also continue to live in Chittagong, as Catholic Christians, in the old Portuguese enclave of Paterghatta. Chittagong is home to many of the historic Christians of Bangladesh. In 1927, the city was made the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chittagong. With the influx of foreigners, Chittagong became a melting pot of races. Here, majority of the urban people are involved in the import-export, trade-commerce and various industrial and business activities along with many other private and government sector occupations like other port Cities of the globe. The people of Chittagong are very enterprising and have always been found ready to leave their hearth and home in search of better opportunities. Chittagong is also home to several universities, Chittagong University (established in 1966), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), and the Asian University for Women.

Lungi or dhoti is the most common costume for men and Saree for women. Rice and fish is the staple food of the people. Because of close affinity to the sea, seafood is quite popular. Vegetables commonly found in the market are gourds, pumpkins, various legumes, etc. Fruits include jack fruits, ice-apples, coconuts, bananas, custard apple, etc.Shutki mach/dried fish is a specialty. Chatgaiya song is the most popular local song. Shefali Ghosh and Shamsundar baisnab are the legendary artists of this song. Maizvandari song and Kobial lodai are two other most famous local music. kobial romash shil is very much popular for that. Prominent musical band Souls, LRB, Renesa, Nogorbaul is from Chittagong. Kumar Biswajit, Ayub Bacchu, Tapan Chowdhury, Nakib Khan, Arnob, Sandipan Achariya, Mila, Partho Barua are also from Chittagong. Dance is another famous cultural sector of Chitttagong. Runu Biswaas prominent national figure in dance is from Chittagong. Leading Cultural organizations of Chittagong are Drishty Chittagong, Bodhon abriti porishad, Proma, Anarya,Onnoshawr,Alauddin lolitkala academy, Rabindrasangit shilpi songstha, Fulki, Ghungur, Prapon Academy, Arjya Sangit somiti, Dhrubo parishad, Udichi, Roktokarabi, sangit Bhaban . Prominent model Nobel, Moutusi, srabosti, Imtu is from Chittagong. Shilpakala Academy, Shishu Academy, Thetre Institute of Chittagong, Muslim hall are the most famous places for cultural programme.

Chittagong is the home town of Dr. Mohammad Younus, founder of Grameen Bank, the pioneer of Microcredit, who won Nobel Prize in Peace in 2006.