Bangladesh

Bangladeshi flag

Basic Facts of Bangladesh
Official name: People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Capital: Dhaka
Area 147,570 sq km, 56,977 sq mi
Population density: 1,147 persons per sq km, 2,970 persons per sq mi (2008 estimate)
Urban/rural distribution:
Share urban 25 percent
Share rural 75 percent (2005 estimate)
Largest cities: Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Narayanganj.
Languages: Bangla (official), Urdu, English
Religious affiliations:
Muslim 86 percent
Hindu 12 percent
Other 2 percent
Life expectancy:
Total 63.2 years
Female 63.3 years
Male 63.1 years (2008 estimate)
Literacy rate:
Total 44.2 percent
Female 33 percent
Male 54.9 percent (2005 estimate)
Form of government: Republic
Total number of military personnel 125,000 (2004)

Introduction:
Bangladesh, in full, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, republic of southern Asia, in the northeastern portion of the Indian subcontinent, bordered on the west, north, and east by India, on the southeast by Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), and on the south by the Bay of Bengal. The area of the country is 147,570 sq km (56,977 sq mi). The capital and largest city of Bangladesh is Dhaka.

Dhaka city

Dhaka is capital of Bangladesh .Founded in 1608 as the Seat of the Imperial Mughal Viceroys of Bengal and known the world over for centuries for its fine silk and muslin, Dhaka as the capital of Bangladesh has grown into busy city of about four mi lion people.Having a happy blending of the old and new architectural trends, Dhaka has been developing fast as a modem city since 1982 and is throbbing with activities in all spheres of life, be it industrial, commercial, cultural or political. Dhaka is home to over 4 million people and covers about 816 square kilometers. The climate is tropical as in the rest of Bangladesh; for most of the year it is warm with bright sunshine, but during the Monsoons there's heavy rainfall. During the winter months (November to March) it is cool and pleasant.

Baitul Mukarram – The National Mosque of Bangladesh

The national mosque of Bangladesh, Baitul Mukarram, is situated in the heart of the busy city of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.Followers of the Islamic faith consider a mosque to be the primary place of worship where Muslims gather together for prayer. Mosques reflect traditional Islamic architecture and are recognized world-wide for their importance to the Muslim community. In addition to the importance mosques have with regard to worship and prayer, they also serve as places to learn about Islam and to meet fellow believers. The Baitul Makarram Mosque Society was established in 1959 to oversee the project. The land that was selected for the mosque complex is close to the central business district of the city and easily accessible. The mosque complex of Baitul Mukarram was designed by the architect T Abdul Hussain Thariani and has several modern architectural features, while still beautifully preserving the traditional principles of mosque architecture.

Chittagong city

Chittagong is the port city with a population of 1,750,000 (1986 est.). It is the commercial and manufacturing center of Bangladesh. Situated on the Karnaphuli river some 19 km (12 mi) from its mouth at the Bay of Bengal, it is the chief port of the country. It provides an extensively developed port facilities for ocean steamers. An ancient city, Chittagong passed from Tippera (Buddhist) dominance to Arakan (Hindu) and then Mogul (Muslim) rule, with periods of re-conquest and re-control. The Portuguese made inroads in the 16th century, and the British gained control in 1760. Industries powered by a hydroelectric plant up the river, use the products of the area--jute, cotton, rice, tea, petroleum (from offshore installations), and bamboo. The bamboo is harvested chiefly from the Chittagong Hill tracts. 13,191 sq km (5,093 sq mi) of rugged, thickly forested land along the Bay of Bengal is inhabited by primitive mountain tribes.

Chittagong port

Chittagong, the leading port of Bangladesh, lies on the banks of the Karnaphuli River near the Bay of Bengal. A Portuguese trading center in the 16th century, Chittagong was under the jurisdiction of Britain, Burma (now known as Myanmar), and Pakistan before becoming part of Bangladesh in 1971.

Traditional Bungalow of Bangladesh

Most rural houses in Bangladesh are constructed with bamboo and have thatched roofs. This house is a typical Bangla.

Parliament Building, Dhaka

Dhaka, the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, is an important commercial, manufacturing, and government center. The Parliament building, shown here, was designed by American architect Louis I. Khan.

Some Bangladeshi children photos