Welcome to Bangladesh
Bangladesh is located in North Eastern corner of South Asian sub-continent, bordering India and Burma. Bangladesh became an independent nation in December, 1971. It is a Republic country and the head of government is the President. Dakka (Dacca) is the capital of Bangladesh. Its population is about 10 947 100 in an area of 123 998 sq km. The major religions are Islam (83%), Hinduism (16%), Buddhism and Christianity (1 %). The basic unit of money is the Taka. Jute, rice, tea, sugarcane, and tobacco are the important products. Once a fine cotton cloth called “mul-mul” (Muslin) was the famous industry in Dacca.
The people of Bangladesh take pride in their language and culture. Many of the customs, the stories and the songs and dances of Bangladeshis are thousands of years old. In ancient times, stories were written or old in Sanskrit, one of the great classic languages of the world history. Several of India’s languages came from Sanskrit, including Bengali language, spoken by Bengalis of Bangladesh. The Bangladeshis love their country. They are proud of both ancient history and their newfound independence. Bangladesh culture combines the ancient Bengali culture of Mother India and the religion’s influences of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Most Bangladeshis are Bengalis and reflect a miniscule of ancient races of dark skinned Dravidians, light skinned Aryans, Asian Tibetans, and Burmese.
The Bengali poets loved in Bangladesh are Rabindranath Tagore and Razi Nazrul Islam. Tagore lived of his life in the part of India that later became Bangladesh. He wrote many beautiful poems, stories and songs in the Bengali language, including the country’s national anthem “Amer Sonah Bangla” (“My golden Bengal”).
Most Bangladeshis feel a strong sense of duty towards their families and guests and will do their best to live up to their social obligations. When visitors come to their home, Bangladeshis will sit and visit with them and serve them tea and cookies or a meal.Even the poorest families offer all they have to visitors.
Good manners are important in Bangladesh. People eat with their fingers of their right hand and a bowl of fresh water is provided for cleaning fingers after the meal. A well mannered person washes his or her mouth after eating and removes his or her shoes before entering the house. It is an insult in Bangladesh to sit with feet pointed at someone else.
A “Sweet expression” is the most admirable personal quality that a Bangladeshi can have. A person who must scold someone else will apologize first and use the kindest words and gestures possible. Even strangers address each other as “dada” (brother), “sister”, “respected mother”, and so on.
Bangladeshis generally feel responsible for their family and friends and try to take care of them. Children are taught from an early age to respect elders (adults) especially their parents. It is rare of young person to make a decision alone -- parents and older relates are always consulted. Ever Bangladeshi child, rich or poor, grows up with pride in the nation’s ancient traditions. Each child may contribute a new way to turn those traditions into a brighter future for Bangladesh.