Bangladesh  

Bangladesh came to existence in 1971, when Bengali East Pakistan seceded from its union in West Pakistan. About a third of this extremely poor country annually floods during the monsoon rain season, hampering economic development. This country is located in southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, in between India and Burma. It is severely overpopulated. Many people are landless, forced to live on flood prone land infected in water borne diseases resulting from use of commercial pesticides. Even the ground water is contaminated by naturally occurring arsenic, also soil degradation as well as deforestation.

Even with all these terrible situations, Bangladesh is still a magical tapestry weaved with the threads of hope, struggle and love. What became an independent country in 1971 began its journey to a distant dream many years ago.

Bangladesh is a melting pot of races. Therefore has a mixed culture. Her deep rooted heritage is amply reflected in her architecture, literature, dance, drama, music and painting. Bangladeshi culture is influenced by three different religions- Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.

With Islam having the most pervading and lasting impact. Like a colourful montage, the cultural tradition of the country is a happy blending of many variances, unique in diversity but in essence greatly symmetrical.

Bangladesh is one of the largest Muslim countries in the world. About 80 percent of Bangladeshis are Muslims. Hinduism consists of 12 percent of the population. Less than 1 percent of the population is Buddhism and Christianity had about 600,000 adherents, mainly consisting of Roman Catholics.

Among religious festivals of Muslims Eidul Fitr, Eidul Azha, where thy celebrate the birth of their Prophet. Muslims believe in one and only incomparable God, Allah. Muslims believe in chain of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Issac, Jacob, Solomon and even Jesus. Through prophets Allah’s revelation were brought to mankind; in the day of final judgement and individual accountability for actions. Quran is the holy book for Muslims. This holy book has a record of the exact message revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. Not one word of Quran has changed over centuries, so it is in every detail the miraculous text which was revealed to Muhammad fourteen centuries ago. Like Christianity, Islam is against war. It lays down strict rules about fighting which include prohibitions against harming civilians and destroying. Christmas is observed by Christians and a series of festivals of worshiping many Gods of Hindus can be experienced.

The language of the people, Bangla, is another factor. In this country the concept of language occupies a special position. People of Bangladesh are proud to say that they are one of the few who shed blood to uphold the dignity and honour of their language. The people of Bangladesh discovered their identity through the Language Movement in 1952. The refusal of central government to grant status to Bangla Language became the focus, due to this being the most important factor of the cultural expression. Part of Bangladesh was ruled by Pakistan, soon the contradiction of the East and West Pakistan; the racial exploitation or these two side was eventually revealed. The Pakistani army massacred about 35,000 Bengali intellectuals and unleashed a brutal was against the people of East to prevent their secession. Estimated about more than 3 million people died and ten million fled to India. The Indian Army launched a massive offensive against the Pakistani army to support the Bangladesh movement. After nine months of struggle and turmoil on December 16, 1971 the Pakistan army surrendered, and now this day is known as Independence Day.

Written By: Miss Lima