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BANGLADESHI Facts & Figures

Size: 56,977 square miles

Population: 190,000,000.00

Capital: Dhaka

Currency: Taka

Weather / Climate:

Bangladeshlies between latitudes 20° and 27°N, and longitudes 88° and 93°E.

Bangladeshis in the low-lying Ganges–Brahmaputra River Delta or Ganges Delta. This delta is formed by the confluence of the Ganges (local name Padma or Pôdda), Brahmaputra (Jamuna or Jomuna also known as "Yamuna"), and Meghna rivers and their respective tributaries. The Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty into the Bay of Bengal. The alluvial soil deposited by these rivers has created some of the most fertile plains in the world. Bangladesh has 57 trans-boundary rivers, making water issues politically complicated to resolve – in most cases as the lower riparian state to India. Most parts of Bangladesh are less than 12 m (39.4 ft) above the sea level, and it is believed that about 10% of the land would be flooded if the sea level were to rise by 1 m (3.28 ft).

In south east Bangladesh experiments have been done since the sixties to 'build with nature'. By implementing cross dams, the natural accretion of silt has created new land. With Dutch funding, the Bangladeshi government began to help develop this new land in the late 1970s. The effort has since become a multiagency operation building roads, culverts, embankments, cyclone shelters, toilets and ponds, as well as distributing land to settlers. By fall 2010, the program will have allotted some 27,000 acres (10,927 ha) to 21,000 families.

The highest point in Bangladesh is in Mowdok range at 1,052 m (3,451 ft) in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to the southeast of the country. Cox's Bazar, south of the city of Chittagong, has a beach that stretches uninterrupted over 120 kilometres (75 mi).

Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, Bangladeshi climate is tropical with a mild winter from October to March, a hot, humid summer from March to June. A warm and humid monsoon season lasts from June to October and supplies most of the country's rainfall. Natural calamities, such as floods, tropical cyclones, tornadoes, and tidal bores occur almost every year, combined with the effects of deforestation, soil degradation and erosion. The cyclones of 1970 and 1991 were particularly devastating. A cyclone that struck Bangladesh in 1991 killed some 140,000 people.

In September 1998, Bangladesh saw the most severe flooding in modern world history. As the Brahmaputra, the Ganges and Meghna spilt over and swallowed 300,000 houses, 9,700 kilometres (6,027 mi) of road and 2,700 kilometres (1,678 mi) of embankment 1,000 people were killed and 30 million more were made homeless with 135,000 cattle killed, 50 square kilometres (19.3 sq mi) of land destroyed and 11,000 kilometres (6,835 mi) of roads damaged or destroyed. Two-thirds of the country was underwater. There were several reasons for the severity of the flooding. Firstly, there were unusually high monsoon rains. Secondly, the Himalayas shed off an equally unusually high amount of melt water that year. Thirdly, trees that usually would have intercept rain water had been cut down for firewood or to make space for animals.

Bangladeshis now widely recognized to be one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Natural hazards that come from increased rainfall, rising sea levels, and tropical cyclones are expected to increase as climate change, each seriously affecting agriculture, water & food security, human health and shelter. It is believed that in the coming decades the rising sea level alone will create more than 20 million climate refugees. Bangladeshi water is contaminated with arsenic frequently because of the high arsenic contents in the soil. Up to 77 million people are exposed to toxic arsenic from drinking water. Bangladesh is among the countries most prone to natural floods, tornados and cyclones.

Taken from:

www.wikipedia.com

BANGLADESHI languages

Nearly all Bangladeshis speak Bangla as their mother tongue and it is the official language.^[84] It is an Indo-Aryan language of Sanskrit origin with its own script. English is used as a second language among the middle and upper classes.^[85] English is also widely used in higher education and the legal system. Historically, laws were written in English and translated into Bengali until 1987 when the procedure was reversed.^[86] The Bihari population speaks Urdu, which was also the language associated with the government prior to separation from Pakistan.

Taken from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh

BANGLADESHI culture

Formerly East Pakistan, Bangladesh came into being only in 1971, when the two parts of Pakistan split after a bitter war which drew in neighbouring India. Bangladesh spent 15 years under military rule and, although democracy was restored in 1990, the political scene remains volatile. Analysts say the antagonism between the Awami League, which governed until July 2001, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party reflects personal animosity between their leaders rather than substantial ideological differences. Political tensions have spilled over into violence; hundreds of people have been killed in recent years. Attacks have targeted opposition rallies and public gatherings. Senior opposition figures have also been targeted. Concern has grown about religious extremism in the traditionally moderate and tolerant country, which found apparent form in a string of bomb attacks in August 2005. The government, which long denied that it had a problem with militants, has outlawed two fringe Islamic organisations.

Bangladeshis one of the world's most densely populated countries, with its people crammed into a delta of rivers that empties into the Bay of Bengal. Poverty is deep and widespread; almost half of the population live on less than one dollar a day. However, Bangladesh has reduced population growth and improved health and education. The low-lying country is vulnerable to flooding and cyclones and it stands to be badly affected by predicted rises in sea levels.

The major employer is agriculture, but it is unable to meet the demand for jobs. Thus many Bangladeshis - in common with citizens from other countries in the region - seek work abroad, sometimes illegally. The country is trying to diversify its economy, with industrial development a priority. Overseas investors have pumped money into manufacturing and the energy sector. Onshore and offshore gas reserves hold out some chance of future prosperity. There has been a debate about whether the reserves should be kept for domestic use or exported. Some international energy companies are involved in the gas sector.

Visitors need not be disappointed; Bangladeshi handicrafts on offer range from brass work and pottery, to pink pearls and finely woven cotton muslin – all long treasured since Roman times. The newspaper headlines may have dismissed Bangladesh as a land beset with problems, but it is a remarkably optimistic country with great diversity, both within its population and its landscape. As one of the world’s youngest nations Bangladesh has a survivor spirit, a curious and highly hospitable people and genuine potential for adventure.

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given are approximations. Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is not possible to forecast the date of their occurrence exactly.

· 01 January – New Year's Day

· February – Eid-e-un Nabi, birth of the Prophet

· 21 February – International Mother Language Day

· 26 March – Independence Day

· 25 April – Bangla New Year

· 01 May – Labour Day

· 17 May – Buddha Purnima

· 17 July – Shab-e Barat, ascension of the Prophet

· 28 August – Shab-e Qadr, evening of Destiny

· 30 August – Eid al-Fitr, end of Ramadan

· October – Durga Puja, Dashami

· 06 November – Eid ul-Adha, feast of the Sacrifice

· 07 November – National Revolution Day

· 26 November – Islamic New Year

Taken from:

www.bbc.co.uk

www.worldtravelguide.net

BANGLADESHI people

The population of Bangladesh at 15/03/2011 is 142.3 million (census 2011 results -this is a preliminary figure which has been disputed by the UN and now by Bangladeshis themselves^[78]), much less than recent (2007–2010) estimates of Bangladesh's population range from 158 to 170 million and it is the 8th most populous nation in the world. In 1951, the population was 60 million.^[79] It is also the most densely populated large country in the world, and it ranks 11th in population density, when very small countries and city-states are included.^[80] A striking contrast is offered by Russia which has a slightly smaller population spread over a land area that is 120 times larger than Bangladesh. Bangladesh's population growth was among the highest in the world in the 1960s and 1970s, when the country swelled from 65 to 110 million. With the promotion of birth control in the 1980s, the growth rate had slowed. The population is relatively young, with 60% being 25 or younger and 3% being 63 or older. Life expectancy is 66 years for both males and females.^[81]

The overwhelming majority of Bangladeshis are ethnic Bengalis, comprising 98% of the population.^[82] The remainder are mostly Biharis and indigenous tribal groups. There is also a small but growing population of Rohingya refugees from Burma around Cox's Bazaar, which Bangladesh seeks to repatriate to Burma. The indigenous tribal peoples are concentrated in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in the southeast. There are 13 tribal groups located in this region, the largest being the Chakma. The Hill Tracts region has been a source of unrest and separatism since and before the inception of Bangladesh.^[83] Outside the Hill Tracts, the largest tribal groups are the Santhals and Garos (Achiks), while smaller groups include the Kaibartta, Meitei, Mundas, Oraons, and Zomi.

Taken from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh

BANGLADESHI food

Bangladeshi food, mostly characterized as mildly sweet to spicy, refers to the dishes belonging to the Bengali cuisine of the Asian nation – Bangladesh; and the cuisine is shared by the neighboring West Bengal state in India(both of which were one state pre-India-partition), with the only difference being, the use of beef as an integral part of Bangladeshi cuisine and not the Hindu cuisine of West Bengal. Rice is the staple Bangladeshi food, closely followed by lentils (called Dal), fish and beef (major part of the country’s population being Muslim).

Classification of Bangladeshi Cuisine

South – Bangladeshi food from the south includes the regional cuisines of Barisal, Chittagong and Khulna that encompass a wide range of sea fishes cooked with coconut and sundried fishes or “shutki.”Dhaka/Central – Fried rice such as Biriyani and breads like Bakorkhani and Moglai Porota are the specialties of this region alongside hilsa fish delicacies such as Shorshe ilish or hilsa in mustard gravy.West and North-west – Bangladeshi food from this region is synonymous with spicy vegetable curries although dishes cooked with river fishes are also common.North-east – This regional Bangladeshi cuisine is of the Sylhet Division which is famed for its pickles like hatkora and native regional fruits that are used as ingredients in cooking.

Ingredients Commonly Used in Bangladeshi Food

Around five dozen pulses varieties are used in Bangladesh food preparations, most common among which are Bengal gram or chana, Pigeon pea or red gram or tur, Black gram or urod and Green gram or mung. While chana is the only lentil to be cooked whole, the rest are used in the form of dal or processed into flour called beson. Important flavorings in Bangladeshi food include coriander, lime, garlic, cumin, chili and turmeric. Sweet dishes mostly use cinnamon and cardamom.

Bangladeshi Cuisine in Foreign Culture

Bangladeshi food has become integrated as a significant part of the national cuisine in Britain with its gradually growing influence since the 1970s, when several Bangladeshis migrated to the region for work and established restaurants. In 1998, a record number of 85% of UK curry restaurants were discovered as Bangladeshi.

Traditional Recipes

Phuchka - Spicy street food snack made of crusty fluffy breads with potato filling served with tamarind water.

Luchi – Fluffy flat bread served with a curry.

Halua – This dessert can be made of semolina, grated carrots, almonds etc. a sweet from across the region.

Chomchom – A deep fried oblong, syrupy dessert

Borhani – A spiced yogurt drink

Festive and Special Bangladeshi Food

Rice dishes like Pulao and Biriyani and dessert like chomchom and firni are mostly served during special occasions and festivals.

Taken from ifood.tv

Places to go in BANGLADESH

Bangladeshoffers visitors a wealth of opportunity to discover temples, wildlife, infinite beaches, forests and tea plantations. Bangladesh’s river journeys make for an excellent way to see the sights, as do voyages along the sprawling stretches of beach, which overlook the Bay of Bengal. With almost no mountains, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet are popular with trekkers and explorers, whilst the capital city, Dhaka, allows for visits to museums and countless dining options.

If you are interested in shopping, Bangladesh is famous for its pink pearls. Handloom fabrics, silks, printed saris, coconut masks, bamboo products, mother-of-pearl jewellery, leather crafts, wood and cane handicrafts and folk dolls are popular purchases. However, remember to explore the archaeological sites of Paharpur, Mahasthanagarh and Sherpur, close to the town of Bogra in the country's northwest.

As far as nightlife is concerned, leading hotels do have bars, but Western-style nightclubs do not exist. Displays of local dance and music are occasionally to be seen, particularly during religious festivals. Traditional theatre can be seen in major cities and the Dhaka City Corporation has opened a modern theatre hall called Dhaka Mahanagor Natya Mancha. Traditional cultural performances may also be seen at Dhaka's Shilpakala Academy.

For beaches head to Kuakata, a newly developed tourist resort on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in Barisal Division. The wide sandy beach here is an ideal vantage point from which to watch the sun rise and set, it is also less-developed and more serene than the crowded conditions to be found at Cox’s Bazaar. The world's longest and broadest beach, Inani Beach, is just south of Cox's Bazaar, a thriving regional tourist centre and beach resort in the extreme southeast of Bangladesh. Make the boat trip from Cox's Bazaar across to Maheskali Island with its mixed Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist population. Take a rickshaw up the hill to the Hindu Adinath temple, from where there is a good panoramic view of the island.

Take an overnight boat trip on the Rocket paddle-wheel boat service that plies the river between Dhaka and Khulna or Mongla to the south, an excellent and inexpensive way to get a feel for the country.

An excursion to Kaptai Lake in the Rangamati Hill District, east of Chittagong, offers opportunities for sailing, swimming and fishing as well as an opportunity for a glimpse at Chittagong Hill Tracts tribal culture.

The elusive Royal Bengal tiger can be found in the Sundarbans National Park, a lush coastal area of Khulna Division that contains the largest mangrove forest in the world. Deer, monkeys and a great variety of birds are also found here.

Go bird watching in the Rajendrapur National Park, about 50km (31 miles) north of the capital, which is noted for its varied birdlife. There's also the Madhupur National Park and Game Sanctuary, situated about 160km (99 miles) from Dhaka.

In Dhaka, the historic city and capital of Bangladesh, visit the uncompleted 17th-century Lalbagh Fort, the stately Ahsan Manzil Palace and Museum (sometimes called the Pink Palace), the Chota Katra and some of its many mosques. There are several museums of note in the capital including – the Liberation War Museum, the National Museum and the Science Museum, also of interest is the Botanical Garden, which is adjacent to the zoo and covers 205 acres. You can also explore the hectic bazaars of Old Dhaka and the crowded waterfront area around Sadarghat. For a sense of the country's troubled history, visit the National Museum and the Liberation War Museum. The Baitul Mukarram Mosque which lies where the old and new city meets is the 10th biggest in the world with a capacity of 30,000. It is worth a visit to see how the unusual architecture reflects Bangladesh’s modern interpretation of Islam.

Chittagong, the second largest city in Bangladesh, is a port city, set against the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal and surrounded by green forests, coconut groves and sandy beaches. Attractions include the Ethnological Museum, the 17th-century Shahi Jama-e-Masjid Mosque, the colourful multi-domed Chandanpura Mosque and the Tomb of Sultan Bayazid Bostami. Foy's Lake, an artificial lake named after the Englishman responsible for its design, is located 8km (5 miles) from Chittagong, and is a popular picnic site. Chittagong is also a good base from which to explore the Rangamati Hill District, famous for its beautiful flora and lakes and the predominantly Buddhist tribal culture.

In Sylhet pay a visit to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal, a 14th-century Sufi mystic. This is one of the holiest sites in the country and pilgrims come from all over Bangladesh to pay their respects. Many ethnic minorities reside in this region, including the Manipuri and Khasi groups, which are two of the larger populations. Take an excursion to Sylhet Division, northeast of Dhaka, known as 'the land of two leaves and a bud' because of its long tradition as a tea-growing area. The best known estates are found close to the town of Srimangal. Take in the splendid views at Tamabil, a border outpost on Sylhet-Shillong road, from where spectacular waterfalls across the Indian border can be seen. Zaflong is another scenic spot nearby, set amidst tea gardens and beautiful hills.

Visit the town of Bagerhat in the southwest near Khulna, where there are many historic mosques in the surrounding area. The 15th-century Shait Gumbad, the so-called 'Sixty-domed' Mosque, is the most well known. There are other impressive brick-built mosques nearby.

Less chaotic than Dhaka, Sonargaon, lies about 25km (15 miles) southeast of the capital and offers some respite. It was the capital of the region between the 13th and early 17th centuries and the area retains a number of historical buildings that include semi-derelict Hindu mansions and a folk-art museum.

Taken from:

www.worldtravelguide.net

Doing business in BANGLADESH

Business Attire:

Tropical-weight suits or shirt and tie are recommended. Suits or lounge suits are necessary when calling on Bengali officials. Women should wear trousers or long skirts; revealing clothes should be avoided, particularly when visiting religious places. Dressing for men is generally informal.

Exchange of Business Cards:

Cards are given and usual courtesies are observed.

Visitors should not be misled by the high illiteracy rate and low educational level of most of the population. Given the opportunity, Bangladeshis prove to be good business people and tough negotiators.

Advice on Local Conventions:

In someone's home it is acceptable to sit crossed-legged on cushions or the sofa. If a visitor wishes to bring a gift, money must not be given as it may cause offence.

Religious customs should be respected by guests. For instance, women should not be specifically photographed unless it is certain that there will be no objection.

Business Meetings:

. Meetings in Bangladesh are generally the place where decisions are disseminated rather than made.
. They will usually be led by the most senior present who sets the agenda, the content, and the pace of the activities.
. Meeting structures are not very linear in Bangladesh. There may be an agenda and a starting time, but they only serve as guidelines.
. Completing a meeting fully takes priority over time and may extend well past any scheduled end time.
. Meetings may commence with some small talk.
. Communication is formal and follows a hierarchical structure. Deference to the most senior person in the group is expected. This is especially true when dealing with government officials.
. One should never let their level of professionalism slip. Casual behaviour may be misinterpreted as a lack of respect.
. Never lose your temper or show emotion. This may lead to a loss of face which will mean a loss of dignity and respect.
. The need to avoid a loss of face is also reflected in communication styles. Rather than say no or disappoint people Bangladeshis will phrase sentiments in such as way that it is up to people to read between the lines to understand what is being implied. Phrases such as "we will try", "that may be difficult", or "we will have to give that some though" may really mean "this can't be done".
. Therefore, it is important to ask questions in several ways so you can be certain what was meant by a vague response. Silence is often used as a communication tool.
. Many people comment on the lack of smiles in Bangladesh. This has nothing to do with unfriendliness but rather related to the fact that a serious face is believed to demonstrate maturity.

Taken from Asia Travel Info