15 Essential Facts You Must Know About Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a notable country in South Asia with numerous waterways and abundant greenery. It is home to countless rivers, including the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna, and its fertile land is suitable for agriculture. Bangladesh is officially known as the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Its capital is Dhaka, and the main language spoken here is Bengali. There is a wealth of important information about Bangladesh that sets it apart from other countries. Today, we will discuss 15 facts about Bangladesh, including its culture, geography, natural resources, and history.

Independence
Bangladesh gained independence in 1971. After a brief but intense nine-month war with Pakistan, Bangladesh achieved independence. India supported Bangladesh during the war. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence on March 26, and Bangladesh achieved victory on December 16.

National Anthem
The national anthem of Bangladesh is “Amar Sonar Bangla” (My Golden Bengal). Rabindranath Tagore, the world-renowned poet, composed the national anthem of Bangladesh in 1905. Samar Das performed and orchestrated the modern instrumental rendition of the national anthem.

Flag
Bangladesh has a deep green flag. It features a red circle in the middle. The red circle represents the bloodshed by thousands of martyrs of the country during the fight for independence. The deep green color of the flag represents the country’s lush vegetation and the symbol of Islamic belief.

First President
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the first president, and Syed Nazrul Islam was the vice president. Tajuddin Ahmad served as the first prime minister. Khaleda Zia was the first female prime minister of the country and took office in 1991.

Government
The current government follows a parliamentary system where the Prime Minister is the head of government. General elections are held every five years, and a president can serve a maximum of two terms in office.

GDP
In 2021, Bangladesh’s GDP was 350 billion US dollars, and it reached nearly 400 billion US dollars in 2022. Bangladesh’s GDP is now higher than that of Pakistan.

Bordering Countries
Bangladesh shares borders with Myanmar and India. Although Bangladesh doesn’t have direct borders with China, Bhutan, and Nepal, they are located close to Bangladesh’s borders.

Population
Approximately 90% of Bangladesh’s population practices Islam, making it the predominant religion in the country. Hinduism is the second most popular religion, accounting for around 9% of the population, while the remaining 1% follows other religions such as Christianity and Buddhism.

Judicial System
Bangladesh has a parliamentary democracy. The parliament operates according to the constitution, and the country is governed by the rule of law. The Supreme Court interprets the laws passed by the parliament, and the High Court can declare the decisions of lower courts or the High Court itself null and void. The Supreme Court ensures the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights. British rulers introduced the first codified legal system during their colonial rule in this region.

Ancient History
Before the 18th century, this region of South Asia was ruled by Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist kingdoms. The Mughal Empire had significant influence in Bengal, followed by the British East India Company’s rule.

Natural Resources
Bangladesh possesses two main types of natural resources. Firstly, the country has a rich water resource. It receives excessive rainfall during the monsoon season, which is replenished by the Creator through rivers and their presence possibly enriches the natural fertility. Secondly, Bangladesh is endowed with abundant biodiversity.

Economic Development
Bangladesh has made significant progress in terms of economic development. The country has experienced consistent economic growth over the past decade, with a focus on sectors such as textiles, garments, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Efforts have been made to attract foreign investment, improve infrastructure, and enhance trade relations with other countries.

Cultural Heritage
Bangladesh is known for its rich cultural heritage. The country has a diverse cultural landscape, with influences from various religions and ethnic groups. Traditional music, dance, art, and literature play an important role in preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Bangladesh. Festivals such as Eid, Durga Puja, and Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Education System
The education system in Bangladesh has undergone significant improvements in recent years. The government has placed a strong emphasis on promoting education and increasing literacy rates. Primary education is free and compulsory, and efforts have been made to enhance the quality of education at all levels. Bangladesh has a number of universities and educational institutions that offer a wide range of academic programs.

Healthcare System
Bangladesh has made notable progress in improving its healthcare system. The government has implemented various initiatives to provide better healthcare services to its citizens, including the establishment of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers in both urban and rural areas. Efforts have also been made to enhance the quality of healthcare education and training for medical professionals.

These are some key facts about Bangladesh, showcasing its rich culture, history, and development.