Bangladesh

Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia. It is the eighth-most populous country in the world and among the most densely populated, with over 174 million people living in an area of 148,460 square kilometres. The country shares land borders with India to the north, west, and east, and Myanmar to the southeast. It has a coastline along the Bay of Bengal to the south. Dhaka, the capital and largest city, is the nation's political, financial, and cultural centre.

Historically, the region was a stronghold of Hindu and Buddhist dynasties. After the Muslim conquest in 1204, it saw Sultanate and Mughal rule. During British colonial rule, it became part of East Bengal in the Dominion of Pakistan after the Partition of India in 1947. Following political repression, East Pakistan fought for independence, leading to the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. With aid and assistance from Indian forces, Bangladesh became a sovereign nation on December 16, 1971.

Today, Bangladesh is a parliamentary republic and a middle power with the second-largest economy in South Asia. It is home to the fourth-largest Muslim population in the world and maintains the third-largest military in the region. Bangladesh also contributes greatly to peacekeeping operations for the United Nations. The country faces challenges such as corruption, human rights abuses, and the effects of climate change, but it remains an important part of SAARC and other international organizations.

Etymology

Main article: Names of Bengal

The name Bangladesh means "Land of Bengal" or "Country of Bengal." It began to be used in the early 20th century by Bengali musicians and poets, and later by people in political speeches. The word Bangla refers to both the Bengal region and the Bengali language, with its origins going back many centuries. Over time, Bangladesh became the common name for the area now known as Bangladesh.

History

Main article: History of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a rich and varied history. The region was first part of the ancient Maurya Empire, and later the Gupta Empire. Important empires such as the Buddhist Pala Empire and the Hindu Sena dynasty also ruled here.

During the medieval period, Bengal became part of the Delhi Sultanate and later the independent Bengal Sultanate. It was then absorbed into the huge Mughal Empire, where it was one of the wealthiest regions, known for its fine textiles and shipbuilding.

When the British took control, Bengal played a big role in the early stages of the Industrial Revolution. However, this period also included severe famines and economic changes that affected many people.

After World War II, Bangladesh became part of Pakistan but felt separated due to distance and cultural differences. This led to a struggle for independence, which succeeded in 1971 after a liberation war.

Since becoming independent, Bangladesh has faced periods of political change and economic challenges. Despite this, it has grown into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, especially in the textile industry. The country has also shown great commitment to humanitarian efforts, such as sheltering refugees.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is located in South Asia along the Bay of Bengal. It is almost completely surrounded by India, with a small border shared with Myanmar to the southeast. The country is made up of three main regions. The most part of Bangladesh is the Ganges Delta, the world's largest river delta. The northwest and central areas are formed by the Madhupur and Barind plateaus, while the northeast and southeast have evergreen hill ranges.

The Ganges delta is created by the meeting of the Ganges (called the Padma in Bangladesh), Brahmaputra (or Jamuna), and Meghna rivers and their tributaries. These rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh is known as the "Land of Rivers" because it has over 57 trans-boundary rivers. Most of the country is flat and less than 12 metres (39 feet) above sea level. The Saka Haphong is the highest point in Bangladesh, standing at 1,064 metres (3,491 feet) near the Myanmar border. The country's forest cover makes up about 14% of the land.

Climate

Main articles: Geography of Bangladesh § Climate, and Climate change in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a tropical climate, with mild winters from October to March and hot, humid summers from March to June. A warm, humid monsoon season from June to October brings most of the country's rainfall. Natural events such as floods, tropical cyclones, tornadoes, and tidal bores happen often. These events, along with deforestation, soil degradation, and erosion, can cause damage. Bangladesh is very affected by climate change, and rising sea levels could cover part of the country by 2050.

Biodiversity

Main article: Fauna of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is part of the Indomalayan realm and has many different kinds of plants and animals. The country has many rivers, wetlands, forests, and grasslands. It is home to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bangladesh has many wildlife species, including the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, and Irrawaddy dolphins. The country also has many birds, reptiles, and fish. Some animals, like the rhinoceros, are no longer found in Bangladesh. The government works to protect nature through laws and projects like the Sundarbans tiger project.

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of Bangladesh, Politics of Bangladesh, and List of People's Republic of Bangladesh governments

Bangladesh is a country with a parliamentary system of government. It is led by a Prime Minister, who is the head of government, and a President, who serves as the ceremonial head of state. The country has three main parts of government: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary. These parts work together to make sure the government runs smoothly and fairly.

The executive part of the government is in charge of running the country. The Prime Minister and cabinet members make decisions and create policies. The President has special duties, like signing laws and representing the country. The legislative part, called the Jatiya Sangsad, is made up of elected members of parliament who make laws. The judiciary makes sure laws are followed and resolves disputes. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Bangladesh

Further information: List of companies of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a lower-middle income mixed-market economy. It has the world's 36th-largest economy by nominal terms, and the 24th-largest by PPP. The country has a large labor force of 71.4 million people, with an unemployment rate of 3.6% as of 2024. Bangladesh's large diaspora contributed roughly $27 billion in remittances in 2024. The Bangladeshi taka is the national currency.

As of 2023, the service sector accounts for about 51.5% of total GDP, followed by the industrial sector (34.6%), while the agriculture sector makes up only 11% of total GDP. Over 84% of the export earnings come from the textile industry. Bangladesh is the second-leading garments exporter in the world and plays a crucial role in the global fast fashion industry. It is also a major producer of jute, rice, fish, tea, and flowers. Other major industries include shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, steel, electronics, and leather goods. China is the largest trading partner of Bangladesh, accounting for 15% of the total trade, followed by India.

Energy

Main article: Electricity sector in Bangladesh

Bangladesh achieved 100% electrification by 2022. It is gradually transitioning to a green economy and has the largest off-grid solar power programme in the world, benefiting 20 million people. The under-construction Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, with assistance from the Russian company Rosatom, will be the first operational nuclear power plant in the country. Its first unit is expected to go into operation in 2025.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Bangladesh

The tourism industry is expanding, contributing some 3.02% of total GDP. Bangladesh has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the Mosque City, the Buddhist Vihara, and the Sundarbans) and seven tentative-list sites. The World Travel and Tourism Council reported in 2019 that the travel and tourism industry in Bangladesh directly generated 1,180,500 jobs in 2018 or 1.9% of the country's total employment. According to the same report, Bangladesh experiences around 125,000 international tourist arrivals per year.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Bangladesh

Further information: Bengalis

Bangladesh is a very crowded country with over 170 million people living in an area about the size of a few American states. It is one of the most crowded countries in the world. Most people in Bangladesh live in the countryside, though cities like Dhaka are growing fast.

Bangladesh is mostly made up of people called Bengalis, who make up about 99% of the country. There are also smaller groups of people from different tribes and backgrounds living there too. The main language is Bengali, but some people also speak English, especially in schools and big cities.

Islam is the main religion in Bangladesh, with most people practicing it. There are also Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians living in the country, each with their own places of worship. The government makes sure everyone can practice their religion freely.

Education is important, and the government provides free schooling for children. Many students go to public schools, but there are also private schools and universities. The country has many universities, including big ones like the University of Dhaka. Health services are provided by the government, but there are not enough doctors and hospitals in some areas. People work hard to improve healthcare and make sure everyone stays healthy.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Bangladesh

Further information: Culture of Bengal, Museums in Bangladesh, and List of libraries in Bangladesh

Holidays and festivals

Main articles: Public holidays in Bangladesh and List of festivals in Bangladesh

Traditional festivals in Bangladesh include Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, which is widely celebrated. Pohela Falgun coincides with Valentine's Day and features music, dance, and cultural activities. Other festivals like Nabonno and Poush Parbon celebrate new harvests. Shakrain is a fun celebration where people fly kites at the end of Poush, the ninth month of the Bengali calendar.

Religious festivals are also important. The Muslim majority celebrates Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice. Hindus celebrate Durga Puja, and Buddhists observe Buddha Purnima. National holidays include Language Movement Day on February 21, Independence Day on March 26, and Victory Day on December 16.

Literature

Main article: Bengali literature

Bengali literature has a rich history, with ancient poems like the Charyapada dating back to the 10th to 12th centuries. Writers such as Rabindranath Tagore, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature, and national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam have greatly influenced the literature. Modern authors like Humayun Ahmed and Sufia Kamal continue to shape Bengali literary traditions.

Architecture

Main article: Architecture of Bangladesh

Further information: Architecture of Bengal and List of archaeological sites in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's architecture reflects its culture, religion, and history. Ancient structures like the Somapura Mahavihara and the Sixty Dome Mosque show influences from Buddhist and Islamic traditions. The country is also known for its unique vernacular architecture, including the pioneering bungalow style. Modern architects like Louis Kahn have contributed to notable buildings such as the National Parliament Building.

Visual arts, crafts and clothing

Further information: Muslin trade in Bengal

Art in Bangladesh dates back to the 3rd century BCE, with terracotta sculptures and later developments in Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic art. Traditional crafts include Nakshi kantha embroidery and Jamdani muslin weaving. Modern artists like Zainul Abedin have helped shape contemporary Bangladeshi art.

Performing arts

Main articles: Music of Bangladesh and Dance in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a vibrant performing arts scene, with theatre dating back to the 4th century CE. The Jatra is a popular form of folk theatre. Music includes classical forms like Hindustani classical music and folk traditions such as the baul music popularised by Lalon. Famous singers like Sabina Yasmin and Runa Laila have contributed to Bangladesh's rich musical heritage.

Media and cinema

Main articles: Media of Bangladesh and Cinema of Bangladesh

Bangladesh's media includes television networks like Bangladesh Television and private channels such as ATN Bangla and Channel I. Newspapers like The Daily Star and Prothom Alo are widely read. The cinema industry, which began in the late 19th century, has produced notable films and directors, contributing to the country's cultural identity.

Cuisine

Further information: Bengali cuisine

Bangladeshi cuisine is diverse and rich, with white rice and fish as staples. Popular dishes include kormas, biryanis, and various curries. Fish like hilsa and rohu are commonly eaten, and the cuisine uses spices such as turmeric and chili powder. Sweets like rôshogolla and mishti doi are popular desserts.

Sports

Main article: Sports in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Kabaddi is the national sport, but Cricket is the most popular. The national cricket team has achieved notable successes, including reaching the quarter-finals of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Football is also popular, with the national team achieving milestones such as participating in the AFC Asian Cup. Other sports like archery and chess are also enjoyed, with athletes winning international competitions.