Bangladesh is nestled in the crook of the Bay of Bengal, surrounded by India. It shares a border in the south-east with Myanmar and fronts onto the Bay of Bengal. The country is flat, and dominated by the braided strands of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Jamuna delta. Where Bangladesh ends and the sea begin is a murky zone of shifting sediments, watercourses, flood waters and silt.
Over 90% of the country is composed of alluvial plains less than 10m above sea level, making it an inviting proposition to flood-prone rivers and tidal waves. The only relief from these low-lying plains occurs in the north-east and south-east corners where modest hills rise to an average height of around 240m and 600m respectively.
About two-thirds of Bangladesh is fertile arable land and a little over 10% remains forested. The country is home to the Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, Asiatic elephants, and a few remaining black bears. There are also plenty of monkeys, langurs, gibbons, otters and mongooses. Reptiles include the sea tortoise, mud turtle, river tortoise, pythons, crocodiles and a variety of bloody unpleasant poisonous snakes. There are more than 600 species of birds: the best known is the mynah but the most spectacular are the kingfishers and fishing eagles.
Climate of Bangladesh is subtropical and tropical with temperatures ranging from an average daytime low of 21°C in the cold season to a top of 35°C in the hot season. Bangladesh has three main seasons: the monsoon or 'wet' season from late May to early October; the 'cold' season from mid-October to the end of February; and the 'hot' season from mid-March to mid-May. There is also a 'cyclone season' - May to June and October to November.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Education System in Bangladesh
Through history, Bangladesh has gone through various phases of education systems. From the time of the English rule to Pakistani regime and finally Bangladeshi system, education has evolved not only in methods but also in fundamental aspects like language and governance.
During the British rule, education was mainly reserved for the wealthy class. The language of pedagogy was English as schools were run by religious nuns and other British people. The few natives who were fortunate to receive education were either from wealthy families or whose family had ties with the British governing body. For one to receive higher education, such as a university degree, to become a professional, one had to attend schools in England. Such was the case of the famous Indian Mahatma Gandhi who traveled to London to study law. As native people were treated as second-class citizens, education was largely deprived from the general population.
After the British had left the Indian Subcontinent, the territory presently known as Bangladesh came under Pakistani regime as the state of East Pakistan. Education during this period was still very scarce but those who had the means of acquiring it were no longer considered second-class citizens. The state language, however, was Urdu: the mother tongue of Pakistan. In the region of East Pakistan, the native language was Bengali and not Urdu. Hence, a conflict over language was eminent.
School systems were still largely functioned in the English language as few schools, such as the Holy Cross and numerous Cadet Colleges, were still taught by the British and the nuns. However, in order to obtain government jobs, one had to know Urdu as it was the state language. Bengalis did not want to learn Urdu as the felt obliged to submit their rights to the Pakistanis. As such, after a long and bloody language movement, Bengalis were given the practice the language Bengali in their own homeland. So, to recap, during the Pakistani era, the educational system was mainly to indoctrinate students to the Urdu language.
After the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971, the People's Republic of Bangladesh became an independent nation free to choose its own educational destiny. As Bangladesh was, and still is, a secular state, many forms of education were permitted to co-exist. The formidable British system was, and still is, largely practiced. In fact, presently, the Bangladeshi system of education is divided into three different branches. Students are free to choose anyone of them provided that they have the means. These branches are: a) The English Medium, b) The Bengali Medium, and c) The Religious Branch.
During the British rule, education was mainly reserved for the wealthy class. The language of pedagogy was English as schools were run by religious nuns and other British people. The few natives who were fortunate to receive education were either from wealthy families or whose family had ties with the British governing body. For one to receive higher education, such as a university degree, to become a professional, one had to attend schools in England. Such was the case of the famous Indian Mahatma Gandhi who traveled to London to study law. As native people were treated as second-class citizens, education was largely deprived from the general population.
After the British had left the Indian Subcontinent, the territory presently known as Bangladesh came under Pakistani regime as the state of East Pakistan. Education during this period was still very scarce but those who had the means of acquiring it were no longer considered second-class citizens. The state language, however, was Urdu: the mother tongue of Pakistan. In the region of East Pakistan, the native language was Bengali and not Urdu. Hence, a conflict over language was eminent.
School systems were still largely functioned in the English language as few schools, such as the Holy Cross and numerous Cadet Colleges, were still taught by the British and the nuns. However, in order to obtain government jobs, one had to know Urdu as it was the state language. Bengalis did not want to learn Urdu as the felt obliged to submit their rights to the Pakistanis. As such, after a long and bloody language movement, Bengalis were given the practice the language Bengali in their own homeland. So, to recap, during the Pakistani era, the educational system was mainly to indoctrinate students to the Urdu language.
After the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971, the People's Republic of Bangladesh became an independent nation free to choose its own educational destiny. As Bangladesh was, and still is, a secular state, many forms of education were permitted to co-exist. The formidable British system was, and still is, largely practiced. In fact, presently, the Bangladeshi system of education is divided into three different branches. Students are free to choose anyone of them provided that they have the means. These branches are: a) The English Medium, b) The Bengali Medium, and c) The Religious Branch.
Education of Bangladesh
Highest allocations for education in the national budgets during the nineties show that the government has attached topmost priority to human resource development though education. The goal of 'Education for All' is being vigorously pursued in the country. The education system is divided into 4 levels-- Primary Secondary, Higher Secondary and tertiary. Alongside national educating system, English medium education is also provided by some private enterprises. They offer 'A' level and 'O' level courses. There is also Madrasa system which emphasizes on Arabic medium Islam-based education. This system is supervised by the lone Madrasa Board of the country.
Compulsory primary education, free education for girls up to class ten, stipends for female students, food-for educational total literacy movement and nationwide integrated education are some of the major programs being the government in the education sector.
There are 11 government universities and approximately 20 private universities in Bangladesh. Specialized universities are Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University and Bangabandhu Shaikh Mujib Medical University. The number of government and non-government medical colleges stand at 1, 3 and 5 respectively. There are 4 engineering colleges, 2845 colleges, institutes, 12553 secondary schools, and 78595 primary schools.
To make higher education accessible to all, an Open University has been set up in the country. A National University has also been set up to serve as an affiliating university college across the country.
Alongside the general system of education parallel system known as Madrasha education which offers Islamic education to Muslim boys and girls. Hindus and Buddhists also receive religious education at institutes called Tol and Chatuspathi.
Compulsory primary education, free education for girls up to class ten, stipends for female students, food-for educational total literacy movement and nationwide integrated education are some of the major programs being the government in the education sector.
There are 11 government universities and approximately 20 private universities in Bangladesh. Specialized universities are Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University and Bangabandhu Shaikh Mujib Medical University. The number of government and non-government medical colleges stand at 1, 3 and 5 respectively. There are 4 engineering colleges, 2845 colleges, institutes, 12553 secondary schools, and 78595 primary schools.
To make higher education accessible to all, an Open University has been set up in the country. A National University has also been set up to serve as an affiliating university college across the country.
Alongside the general system of education parallel system known as Madrasha education which offers Islamic education to Muslim boys and girls. Hindus and Buddhists also receive religious education at institutes called Tol and Chatuspathi.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
History of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a new state in an ancient land. It has been described by an American political scientist as "a country challenged by contradictions." On the face of it, the recent twists and turns of her history are often inconsistent. It is neither a distinct geographical entity, nor a well-defined historical unit. Nevertheless, it is the homeland of the ninth largest nation in the world whose groping for a political identity was protracted, intense and agonizing. The key to these apparent contradictions lies in her history. Thus, to understand Bangladesh's current situation, one must learn of its history.
In 1757, Bangladesh fell under the British rule as the East Indian Company, a mercantile company of England, took over the region of Bengal defeating the then ruler Nawab Siraj-ud Daulah through conspiracy. In the long run, the British rule in South Asia contributed to the transformation of the traditional society in various ways. The introduction of British law, modern bureaucracy, new modes of communication, the opening of the local market to international trade and, perhaps most importantly, the English language and a modern education system opened new horizons for development in various spheres of life. However, British rule over the South Asian region, including Bangladesh, lasted only till 1947 when India gained its independence.
Soon after, Pakistan separated from India because of religious differences. As Muslims predominantly populated Bangladesh, it only seemed fair for it join Pakistan as the state of East Pakistan. Nevertheless, the people of the Province of East Pakistan declared their independence as the nation of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971, after fighting a savage war against the central Pakistani government for basic rights like language and culture.
Events since the independence, there have been an endless struggle by the central government to preserve a unified balance of cultures and languages of the rural parts of the country. This struggle also hampered in the modernization of the unforgivable mixture, which makes the fabric of the country. Added to all this was the overwhelming growth of the population, which was expanding faster than any hope of economic progress.
Faced with overpowering odds, the government had very little help from education. Schools were abundant but fewer than half the children attended school and half of them would drop out after grade five. Only one in five students would make it to the secondary schools and a meager one in twenty-five to the university. Yet, there was a serious overproduction of graduates leading to serious problems of unemployment. This system not only failed to meet the evident needs of daily survival, it even worked against rural development and agricultural improvement. Education designed for a 'back to the countryside' had no chance of success, for that is what the young were struggling desperately to get away from through education.
Bangladesh is still faced with a similar problem. The illiteracy rate of the country is extremely high but those who do graduate from universities are nevertheless left unemployed or underemployed.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
People in Bangladesh
98% of the people of Bangladesh are Bangali. The major religion is Muslim with 80 percent of total population. The second major religion is Hinduism which constitutes 16 percent. Other religions include Buddhism and Christianity. Among the tribes Chakma is the biggest.
Bangladesh is one of the largest Muslim countries in the world. Most Bangladeshi Muslims are Sunnis, but there is a small Shia community. Among religious festivals of Muslims Eidul-Fitr, Eidul-Azha, Eiday Miladunnabi, Muharram etc. are prominent. The contention that Bengali Muslims are all descended from lower-caste Hindus who were converted to Islam is incorrect; a substantial proportion are descendants of the Muslims who reached the subcontinent from elsewhere.
Hinduism is professed by about 12 percent of the population. Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Kali Puja etc. are Hindu festivals.
Biharis, who are not ethnic Bangali, are Urdu-speaking Muslim refugees from Bihar and other parts of northern India. They numbered about 1 million in 1971 but now had decreased to around 600,000. They once dominated the upper levels of the society. They sided with Pakistan during the 1971 war. Hundreds of thousands of Biharis were repatriated to Pakistan after the war.
Tribal race constitutes less than 1 percent of the total population. They live in the Chittagong Hills and in the regions of Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Rajshahi. The majority of the tribal population lives in rural areas. They differ in their social organization, marriage customs, birth and death rites, food, and other social customs from the people of the rest of the country. They speak Tibeto-Burman languages. In the mid-1980s, the percentage distribution of tribal population by religion was Hindu 24, Buddhist 44, Christian 13, and others 19.
The Santals live in the northwestern part of Bangladesh. They obey a set of religious beliefs closely similar to Hinduism. The Khasais live in Sylhet in the Khasia Hills near the border with Assam, and the Garo and Hajang in the northeastern part of the country.
Bangladesh is one of the largest Muslim countries in the world. Most Bangladeshi Muslims are Sunnis, but there is a small Shia community. Among religious festivals of Muslims Eidul-Fitr, Eidul-Azha, Eiday Miladunnabi, Muharram etc. are prominent. The contention that Bengali Muslims are all descended from lower-caste Hindus who were converted to Islam is incorrect; a substantial proportion are descendants of the Muslims who reached the subcontinent from elsewhere.
Hinduism is professed by about 12 percent of the population. Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Kali Puja etc. are Hindu festivals.
Biharis, who are not ethnic Bangali, are Urdu-speaking Muslim refugees from Bihar and other parts of northern India. They numbered about 1 million in 1971 but now had decreased to around 600,000. They once dominated the upper levels of the society. They sided with Pakistan during the 1971 war. Hundreds of thousands of Biharis were repatriated to Pakistan after the war.
Tribal race constitutes less than 1 percent of the total population. They live in the Chittagong Hills and in the regions of Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Rajshahi. The majority of the tribal population lives in rural areas. They differ in their social organization, marriage customs, birth and death rites, food, and other social customs from the people of the rest of the country. They speak Tibeto-Burman languages. In the mid-1980s, the percentage distribution of tribal population by religion was Hindu 24, Buddhist 44, Christian 13, and others 19.
The Santals live in the northwestern part of Bangladesh. They obey a set of religious beliefs closely similar to Hinduism. The Khasais live in Sylhet in the Khasia Hills near the border with Assam, and the Garo and Hajang in the northeastern part of the country.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Drama, Dance & Jatra
Drama
Drama in Bangladesh has an old tradition and is very popular. In Dhaka more than a dozen theater groups have been regularly staging locally written plays as well as those adopted from famous writers, mainly of European origin. Popular theatre groups are Dhaka Theatre, Nagarik Nattya Sampraday and Theatre. In Dhaka, Baily Road area is known as 'Natak Para' where drama shows are regularly held. Public Library Auditorium and Museum Auditorium are famous for holding cultural shows.
Dance
Classical forms of the sub-continent predominate in Bangladeshi dance. The folk, tribal and Middle Eastern traits are also common. Among the tribal dances, particularly popular are Monipuri and Santal. Rural girls are in the habit of dancing that does not require any grammar or regulations. Bangla songs like jari and shari are presented accompanied with dance of both male and female performers.
Jatra
Jatra (Folk Drama) is another vital chapter of Bengali culture. It depicts mythological episodes of love and tragedy. Legendary plays of heroism are also popular, particularly in the rural areas. In near past jatra was the biggest entertainment means for the rural Bengalis and in that sense for 80% of the population since the same percentage of the population lived in rural Bangladesh. Now a day’s jatra has been placed in the back seat in the entertainment era. Gradually western culture is occupying the place of traditional culture like jatra.
Drama in Bangladesh has an old tradition and is very popular. In Dhaka more than a dozen theater groups have been regularly staging locally written plays as well as those adopted from famous writers, mainly of European origin. Popular theatre groups are Dhaka Theatre, Nagarik Nattya Sampraday and Theatre. In Dhaka, Baily Road area is known as 'Natak Para' where drama shows are regularly held. Public Library Auditorium and Museum Auditorium are famous for holding cultural shows.
Dance
Classical forms of the sub-continent predominate in Bangladeshi dance. The folk, tribal and Middle Eastern traits are also common. Among the tribal dances, particularly popular are Monipuri and Santal. Rural girls are in the habit of dancing that does not require any grammar or regulations. Bangla songs like jari and shari are presented accompanied with dance of both male and female performers.
Jatra
Jatra (Folk Drama) is another vital chapter of Bengali culture. It depicts mythological episodes of love and tragedy. Legendary plays of heroism are also popular, particularly in the rural areas. In near past jatra was the biggest entertainment means for the rural Bengalis and in that sense for 80% of the population since the same percentage of the population lived in rural Bangladesh. Now a day’s jatra has been placed in the back seat in the entertainment era. Gradually western culture is occupying the place of traditional culture like jatra.
Bangladesh Religion
Religious Beliefs
The symbols and sounds of Islam, such as the call to prayer, punctuate daily life. Bangladeshi conceptualizes themselves and others fundamentally through their religious heritage. For example, the nationality of foreigners is considered secondary to their religious identity.
Islam is a part of everyday life in all parts of the country and every single village has at least a small mosque and an imam (prophet). Prayer is supposed to be performed five times daily, but only the committed uphold that standard. Friday afternoon prayer is often the only time that mosques become crowded.Throughout the country there is a belief in spirits that inhabit natural spaces such as trees, hollows, and riverbanks. These beliefs are derided by Islamic religious authorities.
Religious Practitioners
The imam is associated with a mosque and is an important person in both rural and urban society, leading a group of followers. The imam's power is based on his knowledge of the Koran and memorization of phrases in Arabic. An imam's power is based on his ability to persuade groups of men to act in conjunction with Islamic rules. In many villages the imam is believed to have access to the supernatural, with the ability to write charms that protect individuals from evil spirits, imbue liquids with holy healing properties, or ward off or reverse of bad luck.
Rituals and Holy Places
The primary Islamic holidays in Bangladesh include: Eid-ul-Azha (the tenth day of the Muslim month Zilhaj), in which a goat or cow is sacrificed in honor of Allah; Shob-i-Barat (the fourteenth or fifteenth day of Shaban), when Allah records an individual's future for the rest of the year; Ramadan (the month Ramzan), a month-long period of fasting between dawn and dusk; Eid-ul-Fitr (the first day of the month Shawal, following the end of Ramzan), characterized by alms giving to the poor; and Shob-i-Meraz (the twenty-seventh day of Rajab), which commemorates the night when Mohammed ascended to heaven. Islamic holidays are publicly celebrated in afternoon prayers at mosques and outdoor open areas, where many men assemble and move through their prayers in unison.
Death and the After life
Muslims believe that after death the soul is judged and moves to heaven or hell. Funerals require that the body be washed, the nostrils and ears be plugged with cotton or cloth, and the body be wrapped in a white shroud. The body is buried or entombed in a brick or concrete structure.
The symbols and sounds of Islam, such as the call to prayer, punctuate daily life. Bangladeshi conceptualizes themselves and others fundamentally through their religious heritage. For example, the nationality of foreigners is considered secondary to their religious identity.
Islam is a part of everyday life in all parts of the country and every single village has at least a small mosque and an imam (prophet). Prayer is supposed to be performed five times daily, but only the committed uphold that standard. Friday afternoon prayer is often the only time that mosques become crowded.Throughout the country there is a belief in spirits that inhabit natural spaces such as trees, hollows, and riverbanks. These beliefs are derided by Islamic religious authorities.
Religious Practitioners
The imam is associated with a mosque and is an important person in both rural and urban society, leading a group of followers. The imam's power is based on his knowledge of the Koran and memorization of phrases in Arabic. An imam's power is based on his ability to persuade groups of men to act in conjunction with Islamic rules. In many villages the imam is believed to have access to the supernatural, with the ability to write charms that protect individuals from evil spirits, imbue liquids with holy healing properties, or ward off or reverse of bad luck.
Rituals and Holy Places
The primary Islamic holidays in Bangladesh include: Eid-ul-Azha (the tenth day of the Muslim month Zilhaj), in which a goat or cow is sacrificed in honor of Allah; Shob-i-Barat (the fourteenth or fifteenth day of Shaban), when Allah records an individual's future for the rest of the year; Ramadan (the month Ramzan), a month-long period of fasting between dawn and dusk; Eid-ul-Fitr (the first day of the month Shawal, following the end of Ramzan), characterized by alms giving to the poor; and Shob-i-Meraz (the twenty-seventh day of Rajab), which commemorates the night when Mohammed ascended to heaven. Islamic holidays are publicly celebrated in afternoon prayers at mosques and outdoor open areas, where many men assemble and move through their prayers in unison.
Death and the After life
Muslims believe that after death the soul is judged and moves to heaven or hell. Funerals require that the body be washed, the nostrils and ears be plugged with cotton or cloth, and the body be wrapped in a white shroud. The body is buried or entombed in a brick or concrete structure.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Bangladesh Shopping
Bangladesh is indeed a shoppers' paradise with a rich tradition in handicrafts at throw away prices. While muslin of ancient Dhaka has gone into history, other products such as contemporary paintings, wood works, shital pati, bamboo decoration pieces, cane and conch shell products, gold and silver ornament, cotton, silk, gold, silver, jute, reed, brassware, traditional dolls and leather goods also receive deep appreciation of the lovers of arts and crafts now and over the past centuries. In addition, Bangladesh is famous for pink pearl.
Shopping Hours: Generally Sat-Thurs 0900-2000, Fri 0900-1230 and 1400-2000 (shops in tourist districts often stay open later).
Gold and Silver: A wide range of gold and silver ornaments, silver filigree work is considered by many travelers to be unparalleled. Pink Pearl: Pink pearls are the best buy in Dhaka. These natural products are unparallel in luster.
Brass and Copperware: Among the best buys here are brass and copperware trays, wall decorations; vases etc. all are hand made with fine engravings and filigree work. Products made from the hides and skins of animals and reptiles, intricate wood carvings, cane and bamboo products, conch shell, bangles, embroidered quilts, jamdani and silk fabrics can also be bought. These are available in DIT market and a number of exclusive shops in New Elephant Road, Dhaka.
Duty- free Shopping: Duty free sales and display centers run by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation are located in Dhaka, Zia International Airport, Mohakhaii and Sylhet Airport. These shops enjoy the reputation of being well established with a wide range of goods at unbeatable prices. Goods available include wines and spirits, perfumes, cigarettes, hi-fi stereo and audio-visual equipment, Cameras, Watches and a range of household appliances. All purchases must be paid for in foreign currency.
Shopping Hours: Generally Sat-Thurs 0900-2000, Fri 0900-1230 and 1400-2000 (shops in tourist districts often stay open later).
Gold and Silver: A wide range of gold and silver ornaments, silver filigree work is considered by many travelers to be unparalleled. Pink Pearl: Pink pearls are the best buy in Dhaka. These natural products are unparallel in luster.
Brass and Copperware: Among the best buys here are brass and copperware trays, wall decorations; vases etc. all are hand made with fine engravings and filigree work. Products made from the hides and skins of animals and reptiles, intricate wood carvings, cane and bamboo products, conch shell, bangles, embroidered quilts, jamdani and silk fabrics can also be bought. These are available in DIT market and a number of exclusive shops in New Elephant Road, Dhaka.
Duty- free Shopping: Duty free sales and display centers run by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation are located in Dhaka, Zia International Airport, Mohakhaii and Sylhet Airport. These shops enjoy the reputation of being well established with a wide range of goods at unbeatable prices. Goods available include wines and spirits, perfumes, cigarettes, hi-fi stereo and audio-visual equipment, Cameras, Watches and a range of household appliances. All purchases must be paid for in foreign currency.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Economy of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is an agricultural country, with some three-fifths of the population engaged in farming. Jute and tea are principal sources of foreign exchange. Major important agricultural products are wheat, pulses such as leguminous plants, such as peas, beans, and lentils, sweet potatoes, oilseeds of various kinds, sugarcane, tobacco, and fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and pineapples.
For higher GDP growth, investments in both public and private sectors will need to be accelerated. The prevailing political and economic stability has greatly encouraged investment in the private sector. The trend of foreign direct investment is very encouraging.
The government is committed to market economy and has been pursuing policies for supporting and encouraging private investment and eliminating unproductive expenditures in the public sector. A number of measures have been taken to strengthen the planning system and intensify reforms in the financial sector. The present government believes that wastage of resources is a far greater obstacle to development than inadequacy of resources.
It is common knowledge that many development efforts in the past years turned into exercises in futility because of inefficiency and corruption in high places. Terrorism was allowed to paralyse law and order. Administration was over centralized at the cost of local government institutions. The government has, therefore, decided to decentralize administration in the quickest possible time.
For higher GDP growth, investments in both public and private sectors will need to be accelerated. The prevailing political and economic stability has greatly encouraged investment in the private sector. The trend of foreign direct investment is very encouraging.
The government is committed to market economy and has been pursuing policies for supporting and encouraging private investment and eliminating unproductive expenditures in the public sector. A number of measures have been taken to strengthen the planning system and intensify reforms in the financial sector. The present government believes that wastage of resources is a far greater obstacle to development than inadequacy of resources.
It is common knowledge that many development efforts in the past years turned into exercises in futility because of inefficiency and corruption in high places. Terrorism was allowed to paralyse law and order. Administration was over centralized at the cost of local government institutions. The government has, therefore, decided to decentralize administration in the quickest possible time.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Bangladeshi Culture & Language
Bangladeshi Culture
Bangladeshi women habitually wear Saris. Jamdani was once world famous for it's most artistic and expensive ornamental fabric. Mostly, a fine and artistic type of cloth was well-known worldwide. Naksi Kantha, embroidered quilted patchwork cloth produced by the village women, is still familiar in villages and towns simultaneously. A common hairstyle is Beni (twisted bun) that Bengali women are fond of. Traditionally males wear Panjabis, Fatuas and Pajamas. Hindus wear Dhoti for religious purposes.
Languages in Bangladesh
The official language is Bangla, also known as Bengali. It is the first language of more than 98 percent of the population. It is written in its own script, derived from that of Sanskrit. Many people in Bangladesh also speak English and Urdu.
Bangla vocabulary shows many influences. These include a strong Islamic influence seen in the greetings of "Assala-mulaikum" (Peace be unto you) and "Khoda hafez" (God Bless you) and nouns from the Arab world such as "dokan" (shop), "tarikh"(date), and "bonduk" (gun).
English has also had an influence on Bangla. During the days of the Raj many words of English origin such as "tebil" (table), "tiffin" entered Bangla. In more recent time the ever rising global nature of English has lead to words such as "television", "telephone", "video" and "radio" being adopted by Bangla. However, unlike India, there has never been the need for English as a lingua franca and thus Bangla is the state language of Bangladesh.
Bangladeshi women habitually wear Saris. Jamdani was once world famous for it's most artistic and expensive ornamental fabric. Mostly, a fine and artistic type of cloth was well-known worldwide. Naksi Kantha, embroidered quilted patchwork cloth produced by the village women, is still familiar in villages and towns simultaneously. A common hairstyle is Beni (twisted bun) that Bengali women are fond of. Traditionally males wear Panjabis, Fatuas and Pajamas. Hindus wear Dhoti for religious purposes.
Languages in Bangladesh
The official language is Bangla, also known as Bengali. It is the first language of more than 98 percent of the population. It is written in its own script, derived from that of Sanskrit. Many people in Bangladesh also speak English and Urdu.
Bangla vocabulary shows many influences. These include a strong Islamic influence seen in the greetings of "Assala-mulaikum" (Peace be unto you) and "Khoda hafez" (God Bless you) and nouns from the Arab world such as "dokan" (shop), "tarikh"(date), and "bonduk" (gun).
English has also had an influence on Bangla. During the days of the Raj many words of English origin such as "tebil" (table), "tiffin" entered Bangla. In more recent time the ever rising global nature of English has lead to words such as "television", "telephone", "video" and "radio" being adopted by Bangla. However, unlike India, there has never been the need for English as a lingua franca and thus Bangla is the state language of Bangladesh.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Popular Sports in Bangladesh
Why Kabaddi is the Popular Sport in Bangladesh?
Kabaddi is a very popular game in Bangladesh, especially in the villages and, for that; it is also called the 'game of rural Bengal'.
In some areas kabaddi is also known as ha-du-du. But despite its popularity ha-du-du had no definite rules and it used to be played with different rules in different areas. Ha-du-du was given the name kabaddi and the status of National Game in 1972.
Bangladesh Amateur Kabaddi Federation was formed in 1973. It framed rules and regulations for the game. Bangladesh first played kabaddi test in 1974 with a visiting Indian team, which played test matches with the district teams of Dhaka, Tangail, Dinajpur, Jessore, Faridpur and Comilla. In 1978, the Asian Amateur Kabaddi Federation was formed at a conference of delegates from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan in the Indian town of Villai.
In 1979, a return test between Bangladesh and India was held at different places of India including Bombay, Hyderabad, and Punjab. The Asian Kabaddi Championship was successfully arranged in 1980 and India emerged as the champion and Bangladesh as the runners-up.
Bangladesh became runners-up again in 1985 in Asian Kabaddi Championship held in Jaipur, India. The other teams included in the tournament were Nepal, Malaysia and Japan. Kabaddi was included for the first time in Asian Games held in Beijing in 1990. Bangladesh took part in it and won silver medal.
Kabaddi is a very popular game in Bangladesh, especially in the villages and, for that; it is also called the 'game of rural Bengal'.
In some areas kabaddi is also known as ha-du-du. But despite its popularity ha-du-du had no definite rules and it used to be played with different rules in different areas. Ha-du-du was given the name kabaddi and the status of National Game in 1972.
Bangladesh Amateur Kabaddi Federation was formed in 1973. It framed rules and regulations for the game. Bangladesh first played kabaddi test in 1974 with a visiting Indian team, which played test matches with the district teams of Dhaka, Tangail, Dinajpur, Jessore, Faridpur and Comilla. In 1978, the Asian Amateur Kabaddi Federation was formed at a conference of delegates from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan in the Indian town of Villai.
In 1979, a return test between Bangladesh and India was held at different places of India including Bombay, Hyderabad, and Punjab. The Asian Kabaddi Championship was successfully arranged in 1980 and India emerged as the champion and Bangladesh as the runners-up.
Bangladesh became runners-up again in 1985 in Asian Kabaddi Championship held in Jaipur, India. The other teams included in the tournament were Nepal, Malaysia and Japan. Kabaddi was included for the first time in Asian Games held in Beijing in 1990. Bangladesh took part in it and won silver medal.
How to Play Kabaddi?
Kabaddi is the national game of Bangladesh, kabaddi is played by two teams of 12 players each on a 12.50 metre by 10 metre rectangular court in which a player, dashes into the opponent team's area, touches some player(s) and wrestles out to come back home safely without releasing his breath and thereby scores point for his team. The team consists of 12 players but only seven player plays in the court and the rest stay out of court as extras.
While intruding into the opponents' area the player clearly and audibly repeats the word 'kabaddi' without break and without releasing the breath. The time for the match comprises two halves of 20 minutes each and 5 minutes break in between.
A team earns one point by throwing out each one player of the opposite side. Two extra points are added as bonus when all players of the opponent party are out. The team that earns the greater number of points in the stipulated time wins the game.
While intruding into the opponents' area the player clearly and audibly repeats the word 'kabaddi' without break and without releasing the breath. The time for the match comprises two halves of 20 minutes each and 5 minutes break in between.
A team earns one point by throwing out each one player of the opposite side. Two extra points are added as bonus when all players of the opponent party are out. The team that earns the greater number of points in the stipulated time wins the game.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Secular Celebrations
Ekushee (21 February), also called Shaheed Dibash, is the National Day of Martyrs commemorating those who died defending the Bangla language in 1952. Political speeches are held, and a memorial service takes place at the Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.
Shadheenata Dibash, or Independence Day (26 March), marks the day when Bangladesh declared itself separate from Pakistan. The event is marked with military parades and political speeches.
Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is celebrated on the first day of the month of Boishakh (generally in April). Poetry readings and musical events take place. May Day (1 May) celebrates labor and workers with speeches and cultural events.
Bijoy Dibosh, or Victory Day (16 December), commemorates the day in 1971 when Pakistani forces surrendered to a joint Bangladeshi–Indian force.
Shadheenata Dibash, or Independence Day (26 March), marks the day when Bangladesh declared itself separate from Pakistan. The event is marked with military parades and political speeches.
Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is celebrated on the first day of the month of Boishakh (generally in April). Poetry readings and musical events take place. May Day (1 May) celebrates labor and workers with speeches and cultural events.
Bijoy Dibosh, or Victory Day (16 December), commemorates the day in 1971 when Pakistani forces surrendered to a joint Bangladeshi–Indian force.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Brief Facts About Bangladesh
Official Name
The People's Republic of Bangladesh
Location
Latitude between 20 degree 34' and 26 degree 39' north. Longitude between 88 degree 00' and 92 degree 41' east.
Area
144,000 sq. km.
Boundary
Bounded by India from the north, east and west and by the Bay of Bengal and Burma from the south.
Climate
Main seasons: Winter (Nov - Feb), Summer (Mar - Jun), Monsoon (Jul - Oct). Temp: Max 34 degree Celsius, Min 8 degree Celsius.
Rainfall
Lowest 47" and highest 136"
Capital
Dhaka (Present area 414 sq. km. Master plan 777 sq.km).
Population
Total estimated population 130 million.
State Language
Bangla. English is also widely spoken and understood
National Days
National Martyrs Day - February 21 Independence Day - March 26 Victory Day - December 16
Principal Rivers
Padma, Meghna, Jamuna, Brahmaputra, Madhumati, Surma and Kushiara
Principal Crops
Jute, rice, tobacco, tea, sugarcane, vegetables, potato, pulses, etc.
Important Fruits
Mango, banana, pineapple, jack-fruit, water-melon, green coconut, guava, licis, etc.
Major Industries
Jute, sugar, paper, textiles, fertilizers, cigarette, cement, steel, natural gas, oil-refinery, newsprint, power generation, rayon, matches, fishing and food processing, leather, soap, carpet, timber, ship-building, telephone, etc.
Sea Ports
Chittagong and Mongla
Airports
Zia international airport, Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet, domestic airports at Chittagong, Jessore, Sylhet, Cox's Bazar, Rajshahi and Saidpur
Electricity
220 Volts A.C. in all cities and towns
Tourist Seasons
October to March
Main Tourist Attractions
Colorful tribal life, longest sea beach, centuries' old archeological sites, home of the Royal Bengal Tiger, largest tea gardens, interesting riverine life, etc.
Wearing Apparel
Tropical in summer, and light-woolen in winter
Currency
The unit of currency is the Taka. Notes are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Taka. Coins are 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 Paisa (100 Paisa = 1 Taka)
The People's Republic of Bangladesh
Location
Latitude between 20 degree 34' and 26 degree 39' north. Longitude between 88 degree 00' and 92 degree 41' east.
Area
144,000 sq. km.
Boundary
Bounded by India from the north, east and west and by the Bay of Bengal and Burma from the south.
Climate
Main seasons: Winter (Nov - Feb), Summer (Mar - Jun), Monsoon (Jul - Oct). Temp: Max 34 degree Celsius, Min 8 degree Celsius.
Rainfall
Lowest 47" and highest 136"
Capital
Dhaka (Present area 414 sq. km. Master plan 777 sq.km).
Population
Total estimated population 130 million.
State Language
Bangla. English is also widely spoken and understood
National Days
National Martyrs Day - February 21 Independence Day - March 26 Victory Day - December 16
Principal Rivers
Padma, Meghna, Jamuna, Brahmaputra, Madhumati, Surma and Kushiara
Principal Crops
Jute, rice, tobacco, tea, sugarcane, vegetables, potato, pulses, etc.
Important Fruits
Mango, banana, pineapple, jack-fruit, water-melon, green coconut, guava, licis, etc.
Major Industries
Jute, sugar, paper, textiles, fertilizers, cigarette, cement, steel, natural gas, oil-refinery, newsprint, power generation, rayon, matches, fishing and food processing, leather, soap, carpet, timber, ship-building, telephone, etc.
Sea Ports
Chittagong and Mongla
Airports
Zia international airport, Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet, domestic airports at Chittagong, Jessore, Sylhet, Cox's Bazar, Rajshahi and Saidpur
Electricity
220 Volts A.C. in all cities and towns
Tourist Seasons
October to March
Main Tourist Attractions
Colorful tribal life, longest sea beach, centuries' old archeological sites, home of the Royal Bengal Tiger, largest tea gardens, interesting riverine life, etc.
Wearing Apparel
Tropical in summer, and light-woolen in winter
Currency
The unit of currency is the Taka. Notes are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Taka. Coins are 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 Paisa (100 Paisa = 1 Taka)
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