Bangladesh is a South Asian country located on the fertile Bengal Delta, bordered by India to the west, north, and east, Myanmar (Burma) to the southeast, and the Bay of Bengal to the south. With a population exceeding 170 million, it is the eighth-most populous country in the world and one of the most densely populated.
History and Independence
Bangladesh was part of ancient Bengal, an area with a rich cultural and historical legacy. After centuries under various empires, including the Maurya, Gupta, Muslim Sultanate, and Mughal dynasties, Bengal fell under British colonial rule. Upon partition in 1947, it became East Pakistan—an eastern province of Pakistan. Discontent with political and economic disparities led to the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, when Bangladesh gained independence after a nine-month struggle, officially declared on December 16, 1971.
Geography and Environment
Bangladesh is characterized by its river systems, such as the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna, which create fertile floodplains supporting agriculture. The country features diverse landscapes—lush fields, wetlands, mangrove forests (including the Sundarbans), and numerous rivers and lakes. Frequent flooding and cyclones are natural challenges.
Government and Politics
Bangladesh operates as a parliamentary democracy, with the President as the ceremonial head of state and the Prime Minister as the executive leader. The state is divided into divisions, districts, and upazilas (sub-districts). Major political parties include the Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and Jatiya Party.
Economy
Bangladesh has made impressive economic progress in recent decades, fueled primarily by textile and garment exports, remittances, and agriculture. The country, formerly classified as “least developed,” now is recognized as a lower-middle-income nation with strong growth rates. Industries include textiles, agriculture, shipbuilding, IT, pharmaceuticals, and seafood processing.
Society and Culture
Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage shaped by Bengali literature, music, art, and cuisine. Festivals such as Pahela Baishakh (Bengali New Year), Eid-ul-Fitr, and Durga Puja reflect religious and ethnic diversity, though the majority of the population is Muslim. The official language is Bengali (Bangla). Renowned figures include Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus (microfinance pioneer), Rabindranath Tagore, and national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Education and Science
The nation boasts major educational institutions such as University of Dhaka, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), and others. Bangladesh has made growing investments in education, science, healthcare, and digital infrastructure.
Challenges and Resilience
Bangladesh confronts challenges including poverty, climate change, river erosion, rising seas, and urbanization. Yet, its people are known for resilience and innovation, contributing to improvements in social indicators such as life expectancy, literacy, and gender equality.
International Standing
Bangladesh is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, SAARC, OIC, and other international organizations, and plays an active role in regional diplomacy and humanitarian causes.