About BD
Official Name
People's Republic of Bangladesh (Gônôprôjatôntri Bangladesh in Bengali).
Location
Bangladesh is a country located in South Asia, bordered by India to the west, north, and east, Myanmar (Burma) to the southeast, and the Bay of Bengal to the south.
Capital
The capital city of Bangladesh is Dhaka.
Population
Bangladesh has a population of approximately 165 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
Language
The official language of Bangladesh is Bengali (Bangla), which is also the most widely spoken language in the country. English is also used in official and educational settings.
Ethnic Diversity
The majority of the population in Bangladesh is ethnically Bengali. There are also smaller ethnic minority groups, including indigenous communities such as the Chakma, Garo, and Santal.
Geography
Bangladesh is characterized by its flat and low-lying terrain, with the Ganges Delta dominating much of the landscape. The country is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and is prone to flooding during the monsoon season.
Economy
Bangladesh has a mixed economy with agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors. The country is known for its ready-made garment industry, which is one of the largest in the world. Agriculture, including rice cultivation, is also a significant part of the economy.
Currency
The currency of Bangladesh is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT).
Government
Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy with a multi-party political system. The President of Bangladesh is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country's government is divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Culture
Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history, religion, and diverse population. Bengali literature, music, and art have a long and esteemed tradition. The country celebrates various cultural festivals, including Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), Durga Puja, and Eid al-Fitr.
National Items of Bangladesh
Royal Bengal Tiger
The Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the national animal of Bangladesh. Known for its strength, grace, and majestic appearance, it symbolizes the country's rich wildlife and natural heritage.
Water Lily (Shapla)
The Water Lily (Nymphaea nouchali), known locally as Shapla, is the national flower of Bangladesh. Its serene beauty and widespread presence in the country's water bodies symbolize purity and the natural beauty of Bangladesh.
Mango Tree
The Mango tree (Mangifera indica) is the national tree of Bangladesh. Known for its delicious fruit and lush foliage, it represents the agricultural richness and natural abundance of the country.
Jackfruit
The Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is the national fruit of Bangladesh. This large, nutritious fruit symbolizes the agricultural diversity and food security of the country.
Hilsa Fish
The Hilsa fish (Tenualosa ilisha) is the national fish of Bangladesh. It is a staple in Bengali cuisine and symbolizes the country's rich aquatic resources and culinary heritage.
Doel (Magpie Robin)
The Doel (Copsychus saularis), also known as the Magpie Robin, is the national bird of Bangladesh. Known for its melodious song and striking black-and-white plumage, it represents the country's avian diversity and natural beauty.
Sari and Dhoti
The Sari for women and Dhoti for men are traditional garments in Bangladesh. They symbolize the cultural heritage and traditional attire of the Bengali people.
Shaheed Minar
The Shaheed Minar is a national monument in Dhaka that commemorates the martyrs of the Bengali Language Movement of 1952. It symbolizes the country's struggle for linguistic and cultural rights.
Rabindra Sangeet
Rabindra Sangeet, the songs written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore, are an integral part of Bengali culture. They symbolize the literary and cultural heritage of Bangladesh.
Panta Ilish
Panta Ilish, a traditional dish made with fermented rice and Hilsa fish, is popular during the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh). It represents the culinary traditions and festive spirit of Bangladesh.
The national anthem of Bangladesh is called "Amar Shonar Bangla" in Bengali. Here are the lyrics in Bengali and their English translation:
আমার সোনার বাংলা, আমি তোমায় ভালোবাসি।
চিরদিন তোমার আকাশ, তোমার বাতাস,
আমার প্রাণে বাজায় বাসি।
ও মা, আমার প্রাণে প্রাণে প্রাণে তোমায় ভালোবাসি।
আমার সোনার বাংলা, আমি তোমায় ভালোবাসি।
আমি তোমারি কাছে চাইলাম চিরদিন তোমারি আশি
ভালোবাসা চিলাম আমি ভালোবাসা পাইলাম তোমারি ভাতি
তোমার আমি ভালোবাসা প্রাণে প্রাণে প্রাণে তোমারি ভাতি।
ও মা, আমার প্রাণে প্রাণে প্রাণে তোমায় ভালোবাসি।
আমার সোনার বাংলা, আমি তোমায় ভালোবাসি।
My golden Bengal, I love you.
Forever your sky, your air,
In my heart, I will keep chanting.
O mother, I love you with all my heart.
My golden Bengal, I love you.
I desired you, for eternity, with all my heart.
I sought your affection and found it in you.
I love you, with all my heart, with all my life.
O mother, I love you with all my heart.
My golden Bengal, I love you.