Bangladesh

Bangladesh lies on the Bay of Bengal, bordered by India and Myanmar. The Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and Meghna Rivers weave across the low delta, creating wetlands, rice paddies, and the Sundarbans mangrove forest where Bengal tigers live. Cyclones sweep inland from the ocean, yet dry winters allow farmers to harvest rice, jute, and vegetables. Dhaka, the capital, is a vibrant megacity filled with rickshaws, garment factories, and historic mosques.

Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy. Citizens elect members of the Jatiya Sangsad, and a president serves as head of state while a prime minister leads the cabinet. Sixty-four districts manage schools, health clinics, and cyclone shelters, and volunteers broadcast storm warnings through radio, text messages, and community loudspeakers.

History includes ancient Bengal kingdoms, Mughal forts, British colonial rule, and Partition in 1947, which created East Pakistan. The Language Movement of 1952 defended the Bangla language, and the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 led to independence. The country joined the United Nations in 1974 and now contributes peacekeepers to missions around the world.

The economy relies on agriculture, ready-made garment exports, remittances from overseas workers, and a growing technology sector. Garment factories employ millions of women sewing clothing for global brands, while rice mills, shrimp ponds, and tea estates support rural families. Solar home systems, river ferries, and new metro lines in Dhaka show how innovation helps manage dense neighborhoods.

Culture blends Bengali literature, music, and festivals such as Pahela Baishakh (Bengali New Year), Durga Puja, and Eid. Families enjoy rice, lentils called dal, hilsa fish curry, pithas (rice cakes), and desserts like rasgulla or mishti doi. Folk crafts include nakshi kantha embroidered quilts and traditional boat races, and cricket matches fill stadiums with cheering fans.