Discover Bangladesh: Tours, Travel Guide, and Everything You Need to Know

Discover Bangladesh: Tours, Travel Guide, and Everything You Need to Know

LAND

Bangladesh is bordered by the Indian states of West Bengal to the west and north, Assam to the north, Meghalaya to the north and northeast, and Tripura and Mizoram to the east. To the southeast, it shares a boundary with Myanmar (Burma). The southern part of Bangladesh opens into the Bay of Bengal.

PEOPLE

Ethnic Groups The vast majority of the population of Bangladesh is Bengali—a term describing both an ethnic and a linguistic group. The Bengali people have a diverse origin, emerging from various communities over many centuries. The Vedda peoples were among the earliest settlers, followed by Mediterranean and Indo-European speakers. In the 8th century CE, Arab, Persian, and Turkish people arrived in large numbers, and by the 13th century, they had entered what is now Bangladesh. Contrary to some beliefs, contemporary Bengali Muslims are not all descendants of converted lower-caste Hindus; many are descendants of Muslims who migrated from other regions.

Bangladesh is home to hundreds of bird species. Common house crows are ubiquitous, and their cries are often considered a bad omen. Other birds include bulbuls, magpie-robins, warblers, flycatchers, mynah birds, game birds, parakeets, cuckoos, hawks, owls, kingfishers, hornbills, hoopoes, woodpeckers, and vultures. Among the eagles, the crested serpent eagle and the ring-tailed fishing eagle are the most common. There is also a variety of water birds, such as herons, storks, ducks, and wild geese.

Languages

Bengali (Bangla), the national language of Bangladesh, belongs to the Indo-Aryan group of languages and is related to Sanskrit. Bengali originated beyond the influence of Aryan Brahman society, developing from Gaudiya Prakrit, a colloquial tongue. Bengali is the mother tongue of almost the entire population of Bangladesh. Indigenous minority groups have their own languages and dialects, some of which are Tibeto-Burman languages. English, an Indo-European language, is spoken in urban centers and among educated groups.

Bengali has two distinct styles: sadhu bhasa, the literary style rich in Sanskrit derivatives, and calit bhasa, the colloquial style used in informal discourse. Calit bhasa has become the standard for contemporary literature. Bengali also incorporates loanwords from Portuguese, English, Arabic, Persian, and Hindi.

Religion

Most people in Bangladesh practice Islam, the official religion since a 1988 constitutional amendment. The arrival of Muslims in Bengal in the 13th century significantly altered the region's culture. Initially, Hinduism was dominant, with pockets of Buddhists and local religions. Over time, Islam grew in influence, largely due to the efforts of Sufis and an influx of Muslims from northern India and abroad.

Today, most Muslims in Bangladesh are Sunni, with a small number of Shīʿites, primarily descendants of Iranian immigrants. Hindus form a significant minority, while Roman Catholics and Buddhists are a tiny fraction. In the Chittagong Hill Tracts, tribes like the Chakma, Marma, and Mro are mostly Buddhists. Other tribes, such as the Kuki, Khomoi, and Mro, practice local religions. The Mizo are mostly Christians, and the Tripura are Hindus.

"While rice, pulses, and fish remain fundamental to the Bangladeshi diet, shortages of rice following World War II necessitated the adoption of wheat and wheat products as alternatives. Meat, including goat and beef, is also widely consumed, particularly in urban areas. Festive occasions feature seasoned rice (pilau) paired with flavorful meat dishes and curries, showcasing Bangladesh's rich culinary diversity. The country is renowned for its extensive array of milk-based sweets.

In rural areas and less affluent urban settings, the lungi—a cloth wrapped around the lower body akin to a sarong—is the predominant attire for men. Educated classes often opt for light cotton trousers (pajamas) paired with a knee-length collarless shirt known as a panjabi. For formal events, a modified Western suit is preferred, while traditional attire such as the sherwani and churidar—a calf-length tunic and close-fitting trousers—are still donned, especially at weddings, accompanied by a turban. The sari remains popular among women, though younger generations, particularly students, favor the shalwar kamiz, a combination of calf-length shirt and loose silk or cotton trousers gathered at the ankles."

• Literature and Renaissance: The Bengali language began to take shape in the 7th century CE, establishing a rich tradition of Bengali literature by the 11th century. Despite varying support from rulers, Bengali language and literature thrived outside courtly circles, paving the way for the Bengali Renaissance in the 19th century. Centered in Kolkata (Calcutta) and led by Ram Mohun Roy (1772–1833), this movement championed Western education and liberalism. Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), a luminary poet of the Renaissance, composed national anthems and won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913.
• Music, Dance, and Theatre: In addition to classical forms like kathakali and bharata natyam, Bangladesh boasts unique indigenous dances such as dhali, baul, manipuri, and snake dances, each reflecting aspects of communal life. Improvisation has been integral to both classical and non-classical music and dance, although its practice has declined with commercialization. Formal training is offered at prestigious institutions like the Bulbul Academy for Fine Arts and the Nazrul Academy in Dhaka.
• Cinema, Theatre, and Music: Cinema houses are ubiquitous in towns and villages, while amateur groups and educational institutions regularly stage plays broadcasted on radio and TV. Musical concerts, though less popular than cinema, draw significant crowds. Jatra, a rural opera based on local legends, enjoys particular popularity in the countryside.
  
  

Visual Art and Architecture

The culture of Bangladesh, shaped by the Bengali language, Islamic traditions, and its rural character, presents a unified yet diverse cultural landscape. While regional variations exist within the Bengali community, distinctions among ethnic, religious, and social minorities, as well as between rural and urban populations, are notable.

Bangladesh's rich Islamic heritage is prominently displayed in its mosques, mausoleums, forts, and gateways from the Mughal era. Influenced by Muslim architecture across the subcontinent, these structures feature pointed arches, domes, and minarets. Notable examples include the 77-dome mosque in Bagerhat and the ruins of Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, showcasing traditional Mughal architectural elements adapted to local styles, such as the sloping four-sided thatched roofs.

Pre-Muslim Buddhist architecture remnants, dating back to the 8th century, have been discovered at sites like Paharpur, Mahasthan, and Maynamati, featuring circular stupas typical of ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries.

During the British and Pakistani periods, public buildings often mirrored Mughal architecture before shifting to the International Style in the mid-20th century. Bangladesh's soft subsoil restricts skyscraper construction.

Sports and Recreation

In the 20th century, football (soccer) emerged as Bangladesh's primary sport, alongside field hockey, cricket, tennis, badminton, and wrestling. Bangladesh made its Olympic debut at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Indigenous games like kabadi, a strategic "touch-and-run" game, remain popular among children and youths. Kite flying, an age-old pastime, showcases Bangladesh's visual artistry with elaborate cloth or paper kites.

Media and Publishing

Bangladesh's media landscape features broadcasts on radio and television in both English and Bengali, with news also available in Urdu, Hindi, Burmese, and Arabic. Government control extends over radio and television, whereas the majority of newspapers operate independently, benefiting from constitutional press freedom. Bengali newspapers, though with relatively small circulations due to national literacy levels, exert significant influence by being read aloud in communal settings. English-language dailies, catering to the educated elite, wield considerable impact. Key Bengali dailies include Daily Prothom Alo, Dainik Ittefaq, and Dainik Jugantor, while major English dailies include The Daily Star, New Age, and The New Nation.

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HISTORY

Bangladesh, though an independent country since the late 20th century, has a rich national character deeply rooted in the ancient past of South Asia. Situated in the delta formed by the Padma (Ganges [Ganga]) and Jamuna (Brahmaputra) rivers, Bangladesh's history is intricately connected with India, Pakistan, and the broader region. Historically, it was a frontier of distinct regional culture, shielded by forests and watercourses. Early Bengal saw the rise of independent principalities like Gangaridai, Vanga, and Gauda, among others. In the 14th century, Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah unified many of these into a cohesive entity. The Mughals later incorporated Bihar and Orissa into Suba Bangalah, known as the Bengal Presidency during British colonial rule.

Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim Dynasties until c. 1700

From the 3rd century BCE, Buddhism flourished under the Mauryan emperors in Bengal, followed by a resurgence of Hinduism during the Gupta dynasty. The region saw a synthesis of Buddhism and Hinduism under the Pala and Chandra dynasties. By the late 11th century, the predominantly Hindu Sena dynasty gained prominence in Bengal.

Islam arrived in Bengal in the 9th century through Arab traders and took root deeply by the 13th century under Muslim rulers from the northwest. The Mughals, who ruled from the 16th to 18th centuries, further consolidated Muslim influence in Eastern Bengal. This period saw the flourishing of a syncretic society where Sufism and local traditions coexisted.

The British Period, c. 1700–1947

The British East India Company gained a foothold in Bengal during the 18th century, culminating in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which marked British dominance. Under British rule, Bengal faced administrative challenges, leading to the partition of Bengal in 1905, later annulled in 1912 due to widespread protests. Bengal played a pivotal role in India's independence movement, with leaders like Fazl ul-Haq advocating for self-governance.

Independence and Post-Partition

In 1947, British India gained independence, leading to the partition of Bengal into East Bengal (East Pakistan) and West Bengal (India). East Pakistan struggled with linguistic and cultural tensions, leading to demands for autonomy. The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War resulted in independence from Pakistan, with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman becoming the first Prime Minister.

Bangladesh Since Independence

In January 1972, Mujib assumed office as Bangladesh's first Prime Minister, focusing on rebuilding the war-torn nation. The constitution of 1973 established Bangladesh as a secular parliamentary democracy with a commitment to human rights and decentralization. Despite initial challenges, Bangladesh gained international recognition, including membership in the United Nations in 1974.

National Symbols

• National Fish: Hilsha fish, renowned for its taste and nutritional value, symbolizes Bangladesh's culinary tradition and economic significance.

• National Bird: The magpie robin (Doyel or Doel), known for its melodious call, represents the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

• National Flower: The white water lily (Shapla), depicted in Bangladesh's emblem, symbolizes purity and resilience, chosen for its aquatic grace and national significance.

• National Animal: The Royal Bengal Tiger, found in the Sundarbans and Chittagong Hill Tracts, embodies strength and majesty, symbolizing Bangladesh's wildlife heritage.

• National Fruit: The jackfruit, cherished for its nutritional value and cultural importance, is celebrated as a symbol of abundance and sustainability in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

Bangladesh continues to evolve as a dynamic nation, balancing economic progress with cultural heritage and environmental conservation. Its resilience and determination to overcome challenges underscore its journey from independence to becoming a significant player on the global stage.