How to Pronounce Chittagong

Meaning and Context

Chittagong, officially renamed Chattogram in 2018 to reflect its Bengali pronunciation, is the principal maritime gateway and second-largest city of Bangladesh. Situated on the Karnaphuli River near the Bay of Bengal, its history as a thriving port dates back centuries, attracting Arab, Persian, and Portuguese traders. Today, it is the nation's economic engine, housing the Chittagong Port—the busiest seaport in Bangladesh—and a critical industrial center for sectors like shipbreaking, steel, and textiles. The city's geography is dramatically defined by the Chittagong Hill Tracts to the east and a scenic coastline, offering a unique blend of urban dynamism and natural beauty, including popular spots like Patenga Beach and the Foy's Lake amusement park. Its cultural tapestry is woven from diverse ethnic communities, making it a key hub for commerce, logistics, and tourism in South Asia.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary variation involves the official Bengali name versus the longstanding Anglicized version. "Chattogram" is the current official English spelling adopted by the Government of Bangladesh in 2018, transliterating the Bengali spelling (চট্টগ্রাম) more accurately. "Chittagong" remains the widely recognized historical and international spelling, still used on many maps and in common reference. Common misspellings and typos include "Chittagon," "Chitagong," "Chattagram," and "Chittagongg." Another frequent error is the misidentification of the broader administrative division; the city is within the Chittagong Division, but one should specify "Chittagong city" or "Chattogram city" for clarity. The demonym for a person from the city is "Chittagonian."

Example Sentences

The efficiency of Chittagong Port is vital for Bangladesh's export-oriented garment industry.

Many tourists begin their journey into the Chittagong Hill Tracts from the city, exploring the lush landscapes and indigenous cultures.

Despite the official change, international shipping schedules still often list the port of call as Chittagong.

The city's skyline is rapidly transforming, with new high-rises overlooking the Karnaphuli River.

A visit to the WWII Allied War Cemetery in Chattogram provides a solemn reminder of the region's strategic wartime history.

The unique dialect spoken in Chittagong has distinct phonetic characteristics that set it apart from standard Bengali.

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