About Bangladesh & Bangladesh Tours - Represented by ITS Holidays Ltd

About Bangladesh

Bangladesh, located in South Asia, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. With a population exceeding 160 million, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The nation is characterized by its diverse ethnic groups, predominantly Bengali, and a mix of religions including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity, which contributes to a colorful tapestry of festivals and cultural practices throughout the year.

The country's geography is defined by the lush green landscapes of the Ganges Delta, the world's largest river delta, and the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its mangrove forests and Bengal tigers. The rich agricultural land supports a variety of crops, with rice being the staple food. Bangladesh is also known for its vibrant textile industry, particularly in the production of garments, which plays a significant role in its economy.

As a travel destination, Bangladesh offers a wide array of experiences, from the bustling capital city of Dhaka with its historical landmarks and modern amenities to the serene beauty of the hill tracts in the Chittagong region and the tranquil beaches of Cox's Bazar, the longest unbroken sandy beach in the world. Visitors can explore ancient archaeological sites, enjoy local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the warmth and hospitality of the Bangladeshi people.

Bangladesh Tours is expertly represented by ITS Holidays Ltd, a leading Destination Management Company (DMC) with over 15 years of experience in the travel industry. ITS Holidays is committed to providing exceptional travel experiences, whether for corporate events, cultural tours, or leisure trips. The company meticulously plans each tour, ensuring every detail is tailored to meet the needs of travelers, promising memorable adventures and lifelong memories.

History

The history of Bangladesh is rich and intricate, characterized by its ancient civilizations and diverse cultural influences. The region was originally inhabited by two dominant tribes: the Vanga and Pundra. Historical texts, including the Hindu epic Mahabharata, mention the participation of Vanga and Pundra kings in the legendary battle of Kurukshetra, which dates back to around 3000 years ago.

The territory of the Pundra tribe encompassed modern-day northern Bangladesh and parts of West Bengal, India. Its capital, Pundranagara, is identified with the archaeological site of Mahasthangarh in Bogura. The Vanga tribe, which included significant districts such as Maymensingh, Dhaka, and Faridpur, is believed to have had its capital in Gange. Some historians speculate that regions like Jessore, Khulna, and the 24-Parganas of West Bengal were also part of Vanga.

A notable aspect of Vanga's history is its maritime trade, particularly with the Roman Empire, the Middle East, and the Far East. The region was famed for its production of Muslin, a fine textile highly prized by emperors and noblemen worldwide. Muslin was so delicate that it was often described as being made from air. This reputation was bolstered by the trade routes that connected Vanga to places like Mosul, where Muslin was traded extensively, making it synonymous with luxury garments.

Unfortunately, the British colonial rule in the 19th century brought about the decline of the Muslin industry, leading to significant losses for local weavers, many of whom suffered violent reprisals against their craft.

The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb referred to Bangladesh as "Soobah jennat ul Belaod Bengala," meaning "paradise on earth." The British Governor-General Lord Curzon remarked on Bengal's immense wealth and resources during his tenure. The Vanga kingdom was noted for its military strength, particularly during the time of Alexander the Great, whose army hesitated to engage with the formidable Vanga forces near the Bias River around 327 BC.

The Rise and Fall of Dynasties

The historical narrative of Bangladesh also involves significant dynasties. The Shishunag Dynasty was prominent in the 4th century BC, ruling over much of North India. The Moryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Morya, emerged from this period, with his grandson Asoka expanding the empire further.

In the early centuries AD, the Gupta Empire is believed to have had Bengali roots, showcasing the historical significance of the region. The subsequent Pala Dynasty (8th to 12th centuries) marked a golden age in Bengal, with the capital shifting from Pundranagara to Pataliputra.

The decline of the Palas gave way to the Sena Dynasty, which ruled parts of Bengal until the arrival of the Turks in the 13th century. The Turks established their capital in Sonargaon, which was a thriving center of trade and culture.

Over the centuries, Bengal experienced invasions and shifts in power, including from Arabs, Abyssinians, and Afghans, leading to a complex tapestry of cultural influences. The Mughals finally took control, moving the capital to Dhaka in the early 17th century.

The Modern Era

In 1947, the partition of India led to the creation of Pakistan, with Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) struggling for autonomy. The Language Movement of 1952, where four students were killed fighting for recognition of Bengali as an official language, is a significant moment in the national consciousness. This movement eventually culminated in the War of Liberation, leading to Bangladesh's independence on December 16, 1971.

Since gaining independence, Bangladesh has experienced political turmoil, including a military coup in 1975, but it has seen a resurgence of democracy and economic growth since the 1990s. Today, the country is recognized for its resilience and cultural richness, attracting attention from travelers worldwide.

Geography of Bangladesh

Bangladesh, with an area of approximately 147,540 square kilometers, is situated in the South Asian region. The country is bordered entirely by India to the west, north, and partially to the east, with a total border length of 4,053 kilometers. To the southeast, it shares a 193-kilometer border with Myanmar, while the southern boundary is defined by the Bay of Bengal, featuring a coastline of 580 kilometers.

Much of Bangladesh is characterized by its low-lying deltaic terrain, where nearly half of the land never rises more than 10 meters above sea level. This flat and fertile land is highly suitable for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, fostering a vibrant plains culture. In contrast, the northeastern and southeastern regions are more hilly and drier, ideal for tea cultivation. These hilly areas are home to various small tribal communities, contributing to the country’s cultural diversity.

The Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers are the two primary rivers flowing through Bangladesh, transporting vast amounts of silt from the Himalayas, which enrich the fertile plains. In addition to these significant rivers, Bangladesh boasts a complex network of hundreds of smaller rivers, forming a rich ecosystem.

Notably, the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is located in the southwest of Bangladesh. This UNESCO World Heritage site is crucial for biodiversity and wildlife conservation. Other significant forested areas include the Chittagong Hill Tracts, known for their hardwood forests, and Lawachara National Park, a semi-evergreen forest in the northeast. Additionally, various sal forests can be found across regions like Bhawal and Modhupur National Park.

Climate of Bangladesh

Bangladesh experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by significant seasonal variations in rainfall, high temperatures, and elevated humidity levels. The climate is generally consistent across the flat landscape, with three main seasons: a hot, muggy summer from March to June; a humid and rainy monsoon season from June to November; and a warm to hot, dry winter from December to February.

During the summer months, temperatures can soar between 38 to 41 °C (100.4 to 105.8 °F), with April typically being the hottest month. Conversely, January is the coolest month, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 16 to 20 °C (61 to 68 °F) and nighttime lows around 10 °C (50 °F).

Winter winds primarily blow from the north and northwest, creating mild breezes across the country. However, from March to May, Bangladesh can experience violent thunderstorms, known locally as northwesters, which can produce winds up to 60 kilometers per hour (37.3 mph).

The monsoon season, which lasts from June to August, is marked by heavy rainfall, crucial for rice irrigation. Approximately 80% of the country’s annual rainfall occurs during this season. Most regions receive at least 2,300 mm (90.6 inches) of rain per year, but the northeastern Sylhet region, located just south of the Himalayas, receives the highest rainfall, averaging between 3,280 and 4,780 mm (129.1 and 188.2 inches) annually.

Festivals & Culture of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a vibrant land rich in festivals and cultural traditions. The diverse population celebrates a multitude of religious festivals, including Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, Eid-e-Miladunnabi, and Muharram among Muslims. Hindus observe significant events like Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Saraswati Puja. For Bangladeshi Buddhists, Buddha Purnima holds great importance, while Borodin (Christmas) is celebrated by the Christian community. Additionally, various tribal communities celebrate their unique festivals, adding to the cultural tapestry of the nation.

Among the secular festivities, Pohela Boishakh, or Bangla New Year, stands out as the most significant. This day is marked by people dressing in their finest attire, enjoying cultural programs, and families gathering for celebrations. Businessmen traditionally open new accounting books, and students participate in colorful morning processions known as Probhat Ferry. Another notable festival is Nobanno, which celebrates the arrival of new rice and is deeply rooted in rural traditions, featuring festive dishes made from rice flour.

The nation also commemorates several important days, including Shahid Dibash on February 21 (International Mother Language Day), Independence Day on March 26, and Victory Day on December 16, each reflecting the country's rich history and cultural identity.

Culinary Traditions

Rice is the staple food of Bangladesh, typically served with vegetables and fish or meat. Special occasions call for festive dishes like Polau, Biryani, and fried rice. Puffed rice and Gurh (a sweet made from date palm sap) are commonly offered to guests, especially in rural areas.

In terms of attire, women often wear Sari, while younger women may prefer Salwar Kameez. Jewelry made of gold and silver is highly valued, and traditional hairstyles, such as Beni for young girls and Khopa for women, are popular. Men typically dress in Lungi or Pajamas, paired with a Panjabi or Fatua for casual occasions, and Western attire for formal settings.

Family is central to Bangladeshi life, with strong bonds between extended family members. Respect for elders is a cornerstone of cultural values, and arranged marriages are still prevalent, reflecting the importance of family involvement in personal relationships.

Music, Dance, and Art

Traditional music in Bangladesh encompasses classical, folk, and modern genres. Renowned musicians like Ustad Alauddin Khan and Ustad Ayet Ali Khan have made significant contributions to classical instrumental music. The rich repertoire of folk songs includes spiritual works by Lalan Shah and Hasan Raja, while Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Sangeet are cherished cultural heritages. Contemporary music trends lean towards Western influences, with pop songs and band music gaining popularity in urban areas.

Bangladesh boasts a vibrant tradition of visual arts, significantly shaped by pioneering artists like Zainul Abedin, celebrated for his poignant sketches during the 1943 famine. Other notable figures include Kamrul Hassan, Shafiuddin Ahmed, and S.M. Sultan, whose works contribute to the country's artistic landscape.

Dance forms in Bangladesh are predominantly influenced by classical styles from the Indian subcontinent, infused with local and Middle Eastern elements. Folk dances, particularly those from tribal communities like Monipuri and Santal, are prevalent, often accompanied by traditional songs.

Jatra, a form of folk drama, plays a vital role in Bangladeshi culture, narrating mythological tales of love and heroism. While it once served as a primary entertainment source in rural areas, the influence of Western culture has begun to overshadow this traditional art form.\

Economy of Bangladesh

Since gaining independence in 1971, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in its economic sectors, now ranking 46th among 193 countries with a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately US$242.2 billion. The economy has seen consistent growth rates of 6-7% annually in recent years. The service sector plays a vital role, contributing over half of the GDP and employing about 25% of the workforce, while agriculture, which accounts for 18% of the GDP, employs around half of the country's workforce.

Thanks to effective planning and a forward-looking regulatory framework, Bangladesh has demonstrated resilience against global economic downturns. While many developed and developing nations face economic challenges, Bangladesh has maintained healthy GDP growth and is expected to continue this trend in the coming years.

The economy benefits significantly from remittances sent by Bangladeshi workers abroad, primarily in the Middle East and East Asia, along with exports of garments and textiles. The garment industry alone is a powerhouse, valued at over $11 billion and showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of Bangladeshi businesses on the global stage. Other notable exports include tea, shrimp, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, leather products, jute, and ships.

Bangladesh is endowed with substantial reserves of natural gas and coal, and while it has limited oil reserves, its most valuable resource is its fertile soil. This fertile land enables the country to grow a wide variety of crops, with rice being the primary staple. Bangladesh is the third-largest rice producer globally, benefiting from favorable growing conditions that allow for multiple harvests each year. Other agricultural products include jute, sugarcane, bananas, and various fruits and vegetables.

A key driver of rural development and women’s empowerment in Bangladesh is the Microcredit program, initiated by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This program, implemented by NGOs and local banks, has contributed to the country's impressively low unemployment rate of just 2.5%. Despite facing challenges such as natural disasters and political instability, Bangladesh has exemplified sustained economic growth through industrialization while maintaining a strong agricultural base and a relatively low level of income disparity, with a GINI ratio of 33.2.

Demography of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is home to a diverse and vibrant population, with the vast majority, approximately 98%, identifying as Bengali. The remaining 2% includes various tribal and non-Bengali groups. The predominant religion is Islam, practiced by around 88% of the population, followed by Hinduism at 10%. The remaining 2% comprises Buddhists, Christians, and individuals from various tribal communities. Within the Muslim community, the majority are Sunni, though there are also Shia, Ahmadiyya, and Sufi minorities present.

With a high population density of approximately 1,084 people per square kilometer (2,808 per square mile), Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The annual population growth rate stands at about 1.3%. The country faces challenges such as a relatively high infant mortality rate of 59 per 1,000 live births, while the life expectancy at birth for both men and women is around 60 years. Notably, the sex ratio skews toward females in the population over 60 years of age.

Education is a priority in Bangladesh, reflected in the impressive primary enrollment rate of 97%. The adult literacy rate is approximately 53%, with expectations of significant improvement in the coming years. Among students in primary and high schools, girls make up 53%, while boys account for 47%.

Rural life is prevalent, with around 75% of the population residing in rural areas. The economy remains largely agrarian, with agriculture generating over 45% of the country’s employment. Additionally, about 35% of the total population is aged below 15, and 61% falls within the 15 to 64 age range, indicating a predominantly young demographic.

Bangladesh Tour Offer by ITS Holidays Ltd

Discover the heart of South Asia with the Bangladesh Tour offered by ITS Holidays Ltd, your gateway to experiencing the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and unique heritage of Bangladesh. As a trusted tour provider with over 15 years of expertise, ITS Holidays Ltd guarantees an unparalleled travel experience that combines top-quality service with affordable prices.

Whether you're exploring the ancient ruins of Mahasthangarh, taking a tranquil cruise along the Sundarbans, or relaxing on the sandy shores of Cox’s Bazar, our Bangladesh Tour Offer by ITS Holidays Ltd is designed to give you unforgettable moments. We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction from the moment you arrive to your departure, ensuring a seamless journey through this captivating country.

Book with ITS Holidays Ltd today, and let us take care of every detail so you can immerse yourself in the beauty and culture that Bangladesh has to offer. Choose the Bangladesh Tour Offer by ITS Holidays Ltd for an experience that promises memories to last a lifetime.