Bangladesh

Bangladesh

People's Republic of Bangladesh
Flag
Motto	"Truth Above All"
Anthem	"Amar Shonar Bangla"
Official Languages	Bengali
Capital	Dhaka
Largest city	Dhaka
Government Type	Unitary parliamentary republic
President	Mohammed Shahabuddin
Prime Minister	Sheikh Hasina
Legislature	Jatiya Sangsad
Area	147570 km²
Population	170000000 ()
GDP (Nominal)
Currency	Bangladeshi taka (৳)
Time zone	BST (UTC+6)
Drives on	left
Calling code	+880
Internet TLD

Bangladesh is a country in South Asia, bordered by India on the west, north, and east, Myanmar on the southeast, and the Bay of Bengal on the south. With a population of over 170 million, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Its capital and largest city is Dhaka.

Geography and Climate

Bangladesh lies mainly in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta and features fertile alluvial plains. The country is prone to seasonal flooding due to its riverine topography and heavy monsoon rains. It has a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters.

Historical Background

The region now known as Bangladesh was part of ancient Bengal, a rich center of trade and culture. It was successively ruled by the Mauryas, Guptas, Palas, and Mughals. Under British colonial rule, it became part of the Bengal Presidency. After the Partition of India in 1947, it became East Pakistan, part of the newly formed Pakistan. Due to political and linguistic discrimination by West Pakistan, a liberation movement emerged. In 1971, following a brutal conflict and genocide, Bangladesh declared independence after the Bangladesh Liberation War supported by India. It became an independent republic on 16 December 1971.

Politics and Government

Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy. The President serves as the ceremonial head of state, while executive power lies with the Prime Minister. Key political parties include the Awami League, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the Jatiya Party. While the judiciary is independent by law, it has faced criticism for alleged political influence.

Economy

Over the past two decades, Bangladesh has demonstrated robust economic growth. Major sectors include the garment industry, agriculture, remittances, pharmaceuticals, and information and communication technology. It is the second-largest exporter of ready-made garments globally, following China. However, the nation still grapples with challenges such as corruption, inequality, and infrastructure limitations.

Society and Culture

Most of the population are ethnic Bengalis who speak Bengali (Bangla), the official language. Islam is the dominant religion, with a significant Hindu minority and smaller groups of Buddhists and Christians. Bangladesh has a rich cultural tradition in music, poetry, and visual arts, influenced by figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. Major festivals include Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), Eid al-Fitr, and Language Movement Day on 21 February.

Education and Development

Bangladesh has made progress in literacy and access to education, especially for girls. Leading universities include the University of Dhaka and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). However, the nation continues to face issues in terms of education quality, infrastructure, and access in rural areas.

Foreign Relations

Bangladesh maintains diplomatic relations with nations across the globe. It is a member of the United Nations, SAARC, OIC, and the Commonwealth of Nations. Relations with India are mostly positive, especially in trade and security, although disputes over water sharing and migration occasionally surface.

Modern Challenges

Bangladesh faces a range of modern-day challenges including climate change, urban congestion, political polarisation, and human rights concerns. Nevertheless, the country is frequently cited as a development success, with achievements in microfinance, disaster preparedness, women’s empowerment, and public health.