Bangladesh
has been aptly described as a new state in an ancient land. Much has been
written about Bangladesh,
notably in old records like the evidence of Pliny and Periplus of the Erythrean Sea (first century AD). It was drawn in
Ptolemy's map. These indicate that from the earliest times Bangladesh was
known to the West, particularly for its Muslin, the finest fabric the
world has ever produced. Travellers and scholars who were attracted by the
charms and fame of Bangladesh
since time immemorial had showered effusive epithets on its bounties and
wealth, affluence and prosperity, craftsmanship and cultural advancement.
They include the Chinese travellers Fa-hien (fourth century
AD), Hue-an-tsung (seventh century), Ma-hoen and Fei-shin (fifteenth century),
Ibne Batuta (fourteenth century) from Africa, Nicola Kanti (fifteenth century)
and Ceasar the Frederik (sixteenth century) from Venice, Verthema, an Italian
in the sixteenth century, Barbosa and Sebastin Manric (sixteenth century) from
Portugal, Travernier and Bernier from France (seventeenth century) and Queen
Elizabeth-the First's ambassador Ralf Fish.
To Ibne Batuta,
Bangladesh was
a 'hell full of bounties and wealthiest and cheapest land of the world.' So
great were the attractions of Bangladesh
that to quote Bernier 'it has a hundred gates open for entrance but not one for
departure.' Ladies of Imperial Rome were literally crazy for Bangladesh's
Muslin and luxury items, which according to Pliny, resulted in serious drain of
gold of the Empire. Because of its location, Bangladesh
served as a flourishing entry port and intermediary in trade and commerce
between South Asia and the Far East. The
region also played a seminal role in disseminating its belief art and
architecture in the wider world of Asia.
Ancient Bangladesh
took great pride as a coveted seat of learning and education and scholars from
far away countries regularly flocked to its numerous universities and
monasteries.
Etymologically, the word Bangladesh is derived from the
cognate Vanga which was first mentioned in Aitarey Aranyaka, a Hindu
scripture composed between 500 BC and 500 AD. Literally it means a wetland.
Muslim merchants of Arab origin used to refer it as Bangalah from which its
present nomenclature is believed to have gradually evolved.
Geological evidence indicates that much of Bangladesh was
formed 1 to 6.5 million years ago during the tertiary era. Human habitation in
this region, therefore, is likely to be very old with the evidence of
Palaeolithic civilization dating back to about 1,00,000 years.
Bangladesh
has an area of 148,393 sq km and occupies the apex of the arch formed by the Bay of Bengal into which all the rivers flowing through
the country drain. Bangladesh
has one of the most complex river systems in the world numbering about 230 with
their tributaries having a total length of about 24,140 km. The climate of Bangladesh is
characterised by high temperature and high humidity, heavy rainfall and marked
seasonal variation. Daily temperature ranges from 10� C to 12� C in the
cool months and in the other months it varies between 28� C and 40� C. Soil
of Bangladesh may be divided into three main categories, namely hill soils
(Chittagong and Sylhet regions), terrace soils (Barind and Madhupur tracts) and
alluvial and flood plain soils.
Bangladesh
contains greater biodiversity than that of many countries taken together.
Indeed few countries in the world can match its rich and varied flora and fauna
which are not only aunique biological phenomenon but are also a great natural
resource of the country.
Bangladeshis are historically descendants of various races
and nationalities. An Austro-Asian race first inhabited this region followed by
Dravidians and Aryans. There was also an influx of the Mongolians from Tibet and
Mayanmar. The Arab Muslims started coming here in the early ninth century AD.
Persians, Armenians, Turks, Afghans and lastly the Mughals came in quick
succession.
As per the census of 1991 Bangladesh has a population of
111.5 million with an average density of 755 people per sq. km. It is the
second largest Muslim country. Traditionally a land of communal harmony,
followers of other religions enjoy full freedom of worship. The economy is
mainly agrarian. Recently there is a spurt in industrialisation with the
utilisation of country's available natural resources and manpower. Trade and
commerce are increasing and widening. Bangladesh is a repository of rich
cultural heritage and tradition.
Long colonial exploitation has largely denuded Bangladesh of
its past affluence and wealth. Independence
has, however, opened new vistas of prospects and opportunities. In the final
analysis, Bangladesh
is a land made splendid by natural grace - a veritable mosaic in green, verdant
and boisterous, with its dedicated and creative people adding color and
vibrancy to it.
The landscape of Bangladesh, as if, looks like a
magical tapestry in green woven intricately by nature. Across the tropic of
cancer it lies in the north-eastern part of South Asia
between latitudes 20� - 34' and 26� 38' north and longitudes 88� 01' and
92� 41' east. The country is fenced by India
on the west, north and the Northeast, Myanmar
on the Southeast and the Bay of Bengal on the
south. Strategically located Bangladesh
is virtually a bridge between south and Southeast Asia.
It has a landmass of 1,48,393 sq. km criss-crossed by a network of several
major rivers, their numerous tributaries and canals forming a lace of
interconnecting channels. In fact, Bangladesh is the largest riverine
delta in the world. The extensive river systems are fundamental to the
country's economy and the people's way of life. Its low flat alluvial deltaic
plains present an enchanting vista of vast verdant green fields sweeping the
horizon. Bangladesh
has some of the world's most fertile agricultural lands accounting for abundant
growth of various crops. The north-eastern and south-eastern parts of the
country are dotted with small hills and ridges, their average elevations being
244m and 610m respectively. The highest peak Keokradong in the south-east end
of Bandarban district 1230 meters above the sea level. Thus with its variegated
topographical features Bangladesh
appears like a vibrant motif splashed with enchanting beauty and serenity.
Bangladeshis are essentially simple in nature. Since time
immemorial they are noted for their valourand resilience as well as
hospitality and friendliness. Bangladeshis are also equally known for their
creativity. They have an innate quality of open mindedness. Communal or ethnic
feeling is alien to them and despite diverse racial mix from pre-historic days
they are, by and large, a homogeneous group. Almost all the people speak and
understand Bangla, a language which occupies an exalted position because of the
richness of its literature. Generally speaking, fish, rice and lentils
constitute the main diet of the masses, the vast majority of whom live in the
country's villages. A cottonlungi and a jersey called kurta are
the common attire for men in rural areas. The urban people have, however,
largely adapted to western costume. Sari is women's universal dress, both in
the cities and countryside.
Bangladeshi women are traditionally adored for their charm,
beauty and elegance. They are now increasingly adapting themselves to changing
needs of time; working shoulder to shoulder with the men-folk in fields,
factories and offices. In fact, they can be found in all professions and there
is no exclusive male domain. Agriculture and its related fields still provide
the main livelihood of the people. The expanding industrial and service sectors
together with trade and commerce offer increasing alternate occupations for the
people.
There are about a million, mostly Mongoloid origin, tribal
people, the majority of whom live in Hill Tracts districts. They zealously
guard their customs, traditions and cultural heritage which are quite distinct
from one another and, till to date, largely remain unspoilt. For their living,
they mainly depend on traditional cultivation called jhum and cottage
craft in which they greatly excel.
