Bangladesh in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Bengali Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Security, Customs, Islam, Hinduism, Textiles, Ganges, Jamuna River, Chittagong, Keokradang

These unique guides produced by the Department of Defense provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Bangladesh, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.

Profile * Introduction * Geography * History * Economy * Ethnic Groups and Languages * Religion * Overview * Islam * Hinduism * The Role of Religion in the Government * Influence of Religion in Daily Life * Religious Events and Holidays * Buildings of Worship * Behavior in Places of Worship * Traditions * Traditional Economy and Jobs * Textiles * Greetings * Communication, Hospitality, and Gift-Giving * Dress Codes * Cuisine * Non-Religious Celebrations and Holidays * Social Events * MUSLIM FUNERALS * Do's and Don'ts * URBAN LIFE * Urban Jobs and Workforce * Daily Urban Life and Living Conditions * Education * Health Issues * Transportation and Traffic * Restaurants and Marketplace * RURAL LIFE * Rural Economy * Rural Health Issues * Education * Transportation * Tribal Distribution * Village Life and Gender Roles * Who's in Charge * Border Crossings and Checkpoints * Landmines * FAMILY LIFE * Family Roles and Responsibilities * Status of Women, Elderly, and Children * Marriage, Divorce, and Birth * Naming Conventions

Bangladesh, meaning "Bengal country," is home to the Bengali people who have their ancestral roots in eastern India. They remain linked to Indian Bengalis through their language, Bangla (or Bengali), which is related to Sanskrit. Although Bengalis in both countries are also connected by deep cultural traditions, this report will focus on those in Bangladesh. Here, they form 98% of the population and are nationally referred to as Bangladeshis. Most support themselves through agricultural work, yet they must contend with annual cycles of drought or flooding which disrupt their lives and livelihoods. In addition, Bangladesh is severely overcrowded, with 150 million people living in an area slightly smaller than the state of Iowa. These problems exist alongside weak governance and political tensions over suspended elections and ongoing extremist militancy. In spite of all the problems, the people of Bangladesh continue to support a democratic political system as the best way to build their future.