Bangladesh

There are seven known Gurdwaras in Bangladesh. The most well known is Gurdwara Nanak Shahi Dhaka; it is the most important historic Gurdwara, commemorating the visit of Guru Nanak in 1506-1507. This Gurdwara is said to have been built in 1830. Besides, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs stayed at Dhaka for over two years. The news of the birth of his only son Sri Gobind Rai – Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj – in Patna was received by Guru Tegh Bahadur when he was sojourning in Dhaka. This gurdwara is among the few places outside India which were graced more than once by Guru Baba Nanak. Its historic and religious importance outside India is second perhaps only to the Gurdwaras of Nanakana Sahib and Panja Sahib.
Sikhs constitute a small minority in Bangladesh. They usually come from abroad and live here temporarily. Sikh gurus also did not stay very long in Bangladesh to propagate their religion. During the Mughal and British rule, Sikh soldiers used to be posted to Bangladesh for short periods. They kept very much to themselves and did not develop close relationships with the local people from whom they differed not only in religion but also in language and lifestyle.
In Bangladesh Sikhism exist as a minor religion with approximately 15000-20000 followers. The grand secretary of Gurudwara management committee in Bangladesh told this author that in Bangladesh there are seven Gurudwaras. Those are: Gurdwara Guru Nanak Chowk Bazar, Dhaka; Gurdwara Nanak Shahi, Dhaka university campus, Dhaka; Gurdwara Sangat Tola, Dhaka; Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, Dhaka; Sikh Temple Chowk Bazaar, Chittagong; Sikh Temple Punjabi Lane Phahartali, Chittagong; Gurdwara Sahib Shivpuri, Mymensingh. The main Sikh temple in Bangladesh is Gurdwara Nanak Shahi situated on the campus of Dhaka University. All of above Sikh Gurdwaras is run by charitable fund.