Bangladesh

Main article: Bangladesh
Further information: Culture of Bangladesh, Economy of Bangladesh, Demographics of Bangladesh, History of Bangladesh, Military of Bangladesh, Foreign relations of 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. In 1971, East Pakistan fought for independence, leading to the Bangladesh Liberation War. 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 and the effects of climate change, but it remains an important part of SAARC and other international organizations.

Geography

Bangladesh is a flat, low-lying country with many rivers. The Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers flow through it and meet in the south, creating a large delta. This makes Bangladesh very fertile but also vulnerable to flooding.

Climate

Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate. It has three seasons: a hot and wet summer, a cooler winter, and a short dry season. Heavy rains can cause flooding, and rising sea levels threaten coastal areas.

Government and Politics

Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. Political parties often compete for power, and elections are held regularly.

Economy

Bangladesh has a growing economy based mainly on farming, factories, and services. It is known for its textile industry, which makes clothes for many countries. Many people work in farming or in small businesses. The country is working to improve jobs and reduce poverty.

Culture

Bangladesh has a rich culture with many festivals, music, dance, and art. Traditional clothing, food, and stories are important to its people. The country celebrates many holidays, including Eid, Pohela Boishakh, and Durga Puja.

Challenges

Bangladesh faces many challenges. These include poverty, natural disasters like floods, and the need to protect its environment. The government and people are working together to build a stronger and safer future.

Etymology

Main article: Names of Bengal

The name Bangladesh means "Land of Bengal." It started being used in the early 1900s by musicians, poets, and later by people in speeches. The word Bangla refers to the Bengal region and the Bengali language, which has been around for many years. Over time, Bangladesh became the name for the country we know today.

History

Main article: History of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a rich and varied history. The area 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.

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.

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 in South Asia near the Bay of Bengal. It is almost surrounded by India, with a small border with Myanmar. The country has three main parts. Most of Bangladesh is the Ganges Delta, the world's largest river delta. The northwest and central areas are the Madhupur and Barind plateaus, and the northeast and southeast have evergreen hills.

The Ganges delta is made by the Ganges (called the Padma in Bangladesh), Brahmaputra (or Jamuna), and Meghna rivers and their smaller rivers. These rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh is called the "Land of Rivers" because it has many rivers that share borders with other countries. Most of the land is flat and not very high above sea level. The Saka Haphong is the highest point, standing at 1,064 metres (3,491 feet) near Myanmar. Forests cover about 14% of the land.

Climate

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

Bangladesh has a tropical climate. Winters from October to March are mild. Summers from March to June are hot and humid. A warm, humid monsoon from June to October brings most of the rain. Natural events like floods, tropical cyclones, tornadoes, and tidal bores happen often. These events, along with deforestation, soil degradation, and erosion, can cause damage. Climate change affects Bangladesh a lot, and rising sea levels might cover part of the country by 2050.

Biodiversity

Main article: Fauna of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is part of the Indomalayan realm and has many plants and animals. The country has 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 with 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 has a government where people choose their leaders. A Prime Minister leads the government and makes big decisions. A President is also there to sign laws and represent the country. The government has three parts: one that runs the country, one that makes laws, and one that makes sure laws are followed.

The part that runs the country is led by the Prime Minister and other leaders. They decide on rules and policies. The President has special jobs, like signing laws. The part that makes laws is called the Jatiya Sangsad. It has members who are chosen by people to create laws. The part that checks the laws is the judiciary. The Supreme Court is the most important court.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Bangladesh

Further information: List of companies of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a growing economy. It is one of the larger economies in the world. Many people work in jobs, and not many are looking for work. People living far away send money home to help families. The money people use in Bangladesh is called the Bangladeshi taka.

The main work in Bangladesh is in services, factories, and farming. Most of the things Bangladesh sells to other countries are clothes. Bangladesh makes a lot of clothes for people all over the world. It also grows rice, fish, tea, and flowers. Other important work includes building ships, making medicine, and steel.

China buys and sells the most with Bangladesh, followed by India.

Energy

Main article: Electricity sector in Bangladesh

Almost everyone in Bangladesh has electricity. The country is working to use cleaner energy and has a big solar power program that helps many people. A new nuclear power plant is being built and will start working soon.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Bangladesh

More people from other countries are visiting Bangladesh. It has special places chosen by UNESCO and many jobs come from tourism. Every year, thousands of visitors come to see Bangladesh's beautiful sites, including the Sundarbans. The World Travel and Tourism Council says tourism creates many jobs.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Bangladesh

Further information: Bengalis

Bangladesh is a very crowded country with lots of people. More than 170 million people live in an area about the size of a few American states. It is one of the most crowded places in the world. Most people live in the countryside, but cities like Dhaka are getting bigger quickly.

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

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

Education is important, and the government gives 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 some areas do not have enough doctors and hospitals. People are working hard to improve healthcare and help everyone stay 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

Bangladesh has many colorful festivals. Pahela Baishakh is the Bengali New Year and is celebrated by many. Pohela Falgun is a happy time close to Valentine's Day with music, dance, and fun activities. Other festivals like Nabonno and Poush Parbon celebrate new crops. Shakrain is a joyful time when people fly kites during Poush, the ninth month of the Bengali calendar.

Religious festivals are also important. Many people celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha. Hindus enjoy Durga Puja, and Buddhists celebrate 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 is very old and rich. Famous writers include Rabindranath Tagore, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature, and Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet. Today, authors like Humayun Ahmed and Sufia Kamal keep the tradition alive.

Architecture

Main article: Architecture of Bangladesh

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

Bangladesh's buildings show its history and culture. Old places like the Somapura Mahavihara and the Sixty Dome Mosque have special styles. The country is famous for its vernacular architecture, including the bungalow style. Famous architects like Louis Kahn helped build important places such as the National Parliament Building.

Visual arts, crafts and clothing

Further information: Muslin trade in Bengal

Art in Bangladesh goes back many years. Traditional crafts include Nakshi kantha embroidery and Jamdani muslin weaving. Modern artists like Zainul Abedin have helped create today's art.

Performing arts

Main articles: Music of Bangladesh and Dance in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has many lively performances. Theatre has been around since the 4th century CE. The Jatra is a favorite type of folk theatre. Music includes classical styles and folk music like baul, made famous by Lalon. Well-known singers such as Sabina Yasmin and Runa Laila have made a big impact.

Media and cinema

Main articles: Media of Bangladesh and Cinema of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has many TV channels like Bangladesh Television, ATN Bangla, and Channel I. Newspapers such as The Daily Star and Prothom Alo are popular. The cinema industry has been making important films for a long time.

Cuisine

Further information: Bengali cuisine

Bangladeshi food is tasty and different. White rice and fish are common meals. Favorite dishes include kormas, biryanis, and curries. Fish like hilsa and rohu are popular, and the food uses spices such as turmeric and chili powder. Sweets like rôshogolla and mishti doi are enjoyed as treats.

Sports

Main article: Sports in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Kabaddi is the national sport, but many people love Cricket. The national cricket team has done well in big tournaments. Football is also very popular. Other sports like archery and chess are enjoyed too.