<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>h2>Bangladesh: A Nation in Bloom
Geography and Demography
Bangladesh, officially the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, is a South Asian country located in the eastern part of the Bengal region. It is bordered by India to the north, east, and west, and by Myanmar to the southeast. The country is situated on the fertile delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
Key Geographical Features:
- Land Area: 147,570 square kilometers (56,977 square miles)
- Coastline: 710 kilometers (441 miles)
- Highest Point: Keokradong (1,230 meters or 4,035 feet)
- Major Rivers: Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, Padma, Jamuna, Karnaphuli
- Climate: Tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters
- Estimated Population (2023): 170 million
- Population Density: 1,150 people per square kilometer
- Major Cities: Dhaka (capital), Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet
Table 1: Population Distribution by Division
| Division | Population (2023) | Area (km²) | Population Density (people/km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka | 20.8 million | 15,350 | 1,355 |
| Chittagong | 30.3 million | 33,900 | 894 |
| Rajshahi | 25.1 million | 18,150 | 1,384 |
| Khulna | 18.9 million | 22,270 | 849 |
| Barisal | 9.7 million | 13,290 | 730 |
| Sylhet | 9.5 million | 12,590 | 754 |
| Rangpur | 16.6 million | 16,180 | 1,026 |
| Mymensingh | 11.9 million | 10,580 | 1,124 |
History and Culture
Bangladesh has a rich and complex history, dating back to ancient times. The region was once part of the powerful Maurya Empire, followed by The Gupta Empire. In the 13th century, the region came under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate.
Key Historical Events:
- 1757: The Battle Of Plassey, which marked the beginning of British rule in Bengal.
- 1947: Partition of India, leading to the creation of Pakistan, with East Bengal as part of it.
- 1971: Bangladesh Liberation War, resulting in the independence of Bangladesh.
- 1972: Bangladesh becomes a member of the United Nations.
Culture:
- Language: Bengali is the Official Language of Bangladesh.
- Religion: Islam is the dominant religion, followed by Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism, Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism, and Christianity.
- Art and Literature: Bangladesh has a vibrant tradition of art, literature, and music.
- Festivals: Major festivals include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Durga puja, Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), and Pahela Falgun (Spring Festival).
Table 2: Major Cultural Institutions
| Institution | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh National Museum | Dhaka | Houses a vast collection of artifacts and art from Bangladesh’s history and culture. |
| National Theatre Hall | Dhaka | A premier venue for Performing Arts, including drama, dance, and music. |
| Shilpakala Academy | Dhaka | A national institution dedicated to the promotion of art and culture. |
| Bangla Academy | Dhaka | A research and cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Bengali language and literature. |
Economy
Bangladesh has experienced remarkable economic Growth in recent decades, transforming from one of the poorest countries in the world to a lower-middle-income nation. The country’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, textiles, and garment manufacturing.
Key Economic Indicators:
- GDP (nominal, 2023): $416 billion
- GDP per capita (nominal, 2023): $2,440
- Major Industries: Agriculture, textiles, garment manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, leather goods, jute products.
- Major Exports: Garments, textiles, leather goods, jute products, pharmaceuticals.
- Major Imports: Machinery, petroleum products, chemicals, food products.
Challenges:
- Poverty: Despite economic growth, poverty remains a significant challenge.
- Inequality: Income inequality is high, with a large gap between the rich and the poor.
- Climate Change: Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate change, with rising sea levels and extreme weather events posing significant threats.
Education and Healthcare
Bangladesh has made significant progress in education and healthcare in recent years. However, challenges remain in ensuring access to quality education and healthcare for all citizens.
Education:
- Literacy Rate: 74.7% (2023)
- Primary Education: Free and compulsory for children aged 6-10.
- Higher Education: Bangladesh has a number of public and private universities.
Healthcare:
- Life Expectancy: 72.6 years (2023)
- Infant Mortality Rate: 25 per 1,000 live births (2023)
- Healthcare System: A mix of public and private healthcare providers.
Political System
Bangladesh is a parliamentary republic with a Multi-Party System. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
Key Political Institutions:
- Parliament: The Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) is the legislative body of Bangladesh.
- Executive Branch: The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are responsible for the day-to-day running of the government.
- Judiciary: The Supreme Court is the highest court in Bangladesh.
Foreign Relations
Bangladesh maintains diplomatic relations with over 160 countries. The country is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
Key Foreign Policy Objectives:
- Promoting peace and stability in the region.
- Strengthening economic ties with other countries.
- Addressing global challenges such as climate change and terrorism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the official language of Bangladesh?
A: The official language of Bangladesh is Bengali.
Q: What is the currency of Bangladesh?
A: The currency of Bangladesh is the Bangladeshi taka (BDT).
Q: What is the capital of Bangladesh?
A: The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka.
Q: What are the major religions in Bangladesh?
A: The major religions in Bangladesh are Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity.
Q: What are the major industries in Bangladesh?
A: The major industries in Bangladesh include agriculture, textiles, garment manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, leather goods, and jute products.
Q: What are the major challenges facing Bangladesh?
A: The major challenges facing Bangladesh include poverty, inequality, climate change, and political instability.
Q: What are the major tourist attractions in Bangladesh?
A: The major tourist attractions in Bangladesh include the Sundarbans mangrove forest, the Bay of Bengal beaches, the ancient Buddhist monasteries of Paharpur, and the Mughal architecture of Dhaka.
Q: What is the history of Bangladesh?
A: Bangladesh has a rich and complex history, dating back to ancient times. The region was once part of the powerful Maurya Empire, followed by the Gupta Empire. In the 13th century, the region came under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate. In 1757, the Battle of Plassey marked the beginning of British rule in Bengal. In 1947, the partition of India led to the creation of Pakistan, with East Bengal as part of it. In 1971, Bangladesh fought a war of independence against Pakistan, resulting in the creation of an independent Bangladesh.
Q: What is the culture of Bangladesh?
A: Bangladesh has a vibrant culture, influenced by its history, geography, and religion. Bengali is the official language, and Islam is the dominant religion. The country has a rich tradition of art, literature, and music. Major festivals include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Durga Puja, Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), and Pahela Falgun (Spring Festival).
Q: What is the future of Bangladesh?
A: Bangladesh has a bright future, with a young and growing population, a rapidly developing economy, and a strong commitment to Democracy. However, the country faces significant challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and political instability. The future of Bangladesh will depend on its ability to address these challenges and harness its potential for growth and development.