Chittagong War Cemetery
About Chittagong War Cemetery
During the Second World War, Chittagong was close to the front line of the Burma campaign. The city served as a base, port and hospital centre for Allied forces fighting the Japanese in Arakan, and it was bombed several times.
The cemetery, cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, holds the graves of more than 700 servicemen. They came from Britain and India, from East and West Africa, and from other parts of the Commonwealth, and the headstones show their regiments, ages and often a short message from their families. Lawns, flowering trees and neat rows of stones make it one of the quietest places in Chittagong.
For many visitors from the UK and the Commonwealth it is a personal stop, and the cemetery register can help families find a name. It is close to the Bayezid Bostami Shrine, so the two fit well together. A second Commonwealth cemetery from the same campaign is the Maynamati War Cemetery near Cumilla. Evergreen Bangladesh Tours includes it on private city tours with a local guide.
Things to do
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Pay your respects
Walk the rows of headstones and read the inscriptions from families across the Commonwealth.
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Search for a name
If a relative served in Burma, check the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records before you go.
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Learn about the Burma campaign
Your guide explains Chittagong’s role as a base close to the front line.
Getting there
From central Chittagong: 10 to 25 minutes by car or CNG auto-rickshaw.
From Dhaka: fly or take the train to Chittagong, then continue by car.
Where to stay
Hotels around GEC Circle and Nasirabad are close by.
Tours that visit Chittagong War Cemetery
Short Tours
Chittagong Heritage & Local Life Tour
from $200 per person
Questions
Who is buried in the Chittagong War Cemetery?
Servicemen of the Commonwealth forces, mostly from the Second World War Burma campaign, from Britain, India, Africa and elsewhere.
Is there an entrance fee?
Commonwealth war cemeteries do not charge for entry. Check opening hours locally, as the gates can close in the evening.
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 45 minutes, longer if you are looking for a particular grave.
What should I wear?
Respectful, modest clothing. It is a place of remembrance, so keep voices low.