Bangladesh

The Emerging Tiger of South Asia

Bangladesh is a South Asian country located on the Bay of Bengal, bordered by India, Myanmar, and the Indian Ocean. Known for its resilience, vibrant culture, and growing economy, Bangladesh has made significant strides in poverty reduction, textile exports, and human development since gaining independence in 1971. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Part of ancient empires like Maurya, Gupta, Pala, and Mughal.

  • Came under British colonial rule in 1757; became part of Pakistan as East Pakistan in 1947.

  • Following a brutal war, achieved independence in 1971 under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

  • Adopted a secular constitution in 1972; transitioned through military and civilian governments.

  • Today, it is a parliamentary democracy and rising regional power.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name People’s Republic of Bangladesh (গণপ্রজাতন্ত্রী বাংলাদেশ)
Capital Dhaka
Continent Asia (South Asia)
Official Language Bengali (Bangla)
Currency Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)
Area Approx. 147,570 sq. km
Population Approx. 173 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Bangladesh Standard Time (UTC+6)
ISO Code BD
Internet TLD .bd
Calling Code +880

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Mohammad Shahabuddin
Prime Minister Caretaker/Interim Government (2024)
Government Type Parliamentary Democracy
Legislature Jatiya Sangsad (Unicameral National Parliament)
Judiciary Supreme Court (Appellate and High Court Divisions)

Administrative Divisions

Bangladesh is divided into:

  • 8 Divisions (বিভাগ)

  • 64 Districts (জেলা)

  • 495+ Upazilas (উপজেলা)

  • 4,500+ Unions (ইউনিয়ন)

  • 87,000+ Villages (গ্রাম)

List of Divisions:

  1. Dhaka

  2. Chattogram

  3. Khulna

  4. Rajshahi

  5. Barishal

  6. Sylhet

  7. Rangpur

  8. Mymensingh

Each division is divided into districts, each district into upazilas, and further into unions and villages or wards in urban areas.

Local Government Structure

  • Rural: Union Parishad → Upazila Parishad → Zila Parishad

  • Urban: Municipalities (Pourashava) and City Corporations

  • City Corporations: Dhaka North & South, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barishal, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Comilla, Gazipur, Narayanganj

Leadership & Governance

  • Bangladesh follows a unitary structure with strong central governance.

  • Election Commission supervises general elections.

  • Local government institutions are gradually being strengthened.

  • Key development strategies:

    • Vision 2041

    • Delta Plan 2100

    • Smart Bangladesh 2041

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Oversight by Ministry of Home Affairs

  • Agencies:

    • Bangladesh Police

    • Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)

    • Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)

  • Key Issues:

    • Road safety, political unrest, drug trafficking, online misinformation

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • 999 – Police, Ambulance, Fire

Economy & Industry

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 460 billion

  • Major Sectors:

    • RMG (Ready-Made Garments) – 80% of exports

    • Remittances from overseas workers

    • Agriculture – rice, jute, fish

    • Digital economy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding

  • Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Padma Bridge, Metro Rail are recent milestones

Education & Institutions

  • Compulsory education up to grade 8

  • National curriculum, madrasa education, and English medium systems coexist

  • Top Institutions:

    • Dhaka University

    • BUET, IBA, NSU, BRAC University

  • Reforms: National Education Policy 2010; focus on ICT and skill-based learning

Healthcare

  • Mixed public-private system

  • Major Hospitals:

    • BSMMU, DMCH, Apollo, Square Hospital

  • Government schemes: Community Clinics, Health Card Programs

  • Key health focus: maternal health, immunization, urban health services

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Hazrat Shahjalal Intl. (Dhaka), Shah Amanat (Chattogram), Osmani (Sylhet)

  • Roads: National highways with major expressway upgrades

  • Rail: Expansion including Padma Bridge rail line

  • Metro Rail: MRT Line-6 operational in Dhaka

  • Seaports: Chattogram, Mongla, Payra, Matarbari (under development)

Tourism & Attractions

  • Natural: Cox’s Bazar (world’s longest beach), Sundarbans (UNESCO site), Saint Martin’s Island

  • Historical: Mahasthangarh, Paharpur, Panam City

  • Religious: Baitul Mukarram, Kantajew Temple, Buddhist Viharas

  • Eco-tourism: Ratargul Swamp Forest, Sylhet tea gardens, hill tracts of Bandarban, Sajek

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Deeply rooted in Bengali heritage, language, and liberation

  • Multi-religious: Islam (majority), Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity

  • Festivals: Eid, Durga Puja, Pohela Boishakh, International Mother Language Day

  • Cuisine: Rice, Hilsa fish, Bhuna Khichuri, Sweets (Rasgulla, Sandesh)

  • Arts: Lalon songs, Jatra, Rabindra-Nazrul Sangeet, Puthi Path

Summary

Bangladesh is a nation forged through struggle and shaped by determination. With its strategic location, industrious population, and youthful demographic, it continues to rise as a resilient and forward-looking power in South Asia. As a land of rivers, language pride, and economic potential — Bangladesh is writing a new story of growth, innovation, and inclusive progress.