Bangladesh

Government Seal of Bangladesh

File:Amar Sonar Bangla instrumental by US Navy Band.oga File:Notuner Gaan (Chol Chol Chol, Instrumental "Metal").oga

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Delhi Sultanate Coin from Gaur, Bengal in the British Museum

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Bangladesh (

, Bāṃlādēśa), officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia. It is bordered by India to the west, north, and east, Myanmar (Burma) to the southeast, and the Bay of Bengal to the south. Bangladesh is the eighth-most populous country in the world, with a population exceeding 160 million people. The capital and largest city is Dhaka.

History

The history of Bangladesh can be traced back to the ancient and classical period, with the region being part of the Bengal delta. The area was known for its rich cultural heritage and was a major center of trade and commerce. The region was ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and the Palas. In the medieval period, the region saw the rise of the Bengal Sultanate and later became part of the Mughal Empire. The British East India Company took control of Bengal in the mid-18th century, and it became part of British India. Following the Partition of India in 1947, the region became East Pakistan, part of the newly formed state of Pakistan. The Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 led to the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan. The war was marked by widespread atrocities and the displacement of millions of people. Bangladesh was officially recognized as an independent country on December 16, 1971.

Geography

Bangladesh is located in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta and is characterized by its low-lying topography. The country is crisscrossed by numerous rivers, including the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna. The climate is tropical, with a monsoon season that brings heavy rainfall.

Economy

The economy of Bangladesh is classified as a developing market economy. It is one of the world's fastest-growing economies, driven by the textile industry, agriculture, and remittances from overseas workers. The country is also a significant producer of jute, rice, and tea.

Culture

Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage that includes literature, music, dance, and art. The Bengali language is the official language and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. The country celebrates various festivals, including Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), Durga Puja, and Eid al-Fitr.

Education

The education system in Bangladesh is divided into five levels: primary, secondary, higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate. The country has several notable universities, including the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, and Jahangirnagar University.

Healthcare

The healthcare system in Bangladesh faces numerous challenges, including limited resources and infrastructure. However, the country has made significant progress in improving health indicators such as life expectancy and child mortality rates.

Politics

Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy with a multi-party system. The President of Bangladesh is the head of state, while the Prime Minister of Bangladesh is the head of government. The Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) is the unicameral legislative body.

See also

• List of cities in Bangladesh
• Geography of Bangladesh
• Economy of Bangladesh
• Culture of Bangladesh
• Education in Bangladesh
• Healthcare in Bangladesh
• Politics of Bangladesh