Overview of Bangladesh Studies

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts, facts, and details regarding the history, culture, and demographics of Bangladesh.

What is the official name of Bangladesh?

People’s Republic of Bangladesh (Gana Prajatantri Bangladesh)

What geographical region does Bangladesh occupy?

Southern Asia, North-East part of the Indian subcontinent.

What is the population of Bangladesh as of 2021?

Around 170 million (17 crore).

What is the land area of Bangladesh?

147,570 sq km.

What are the main rivers that form the floodplains in Bangladesh?

Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.

When did Bangladesh gain independence?

March 26, 1971.

What was Bangladesh's status before 1971?

It was a province of Pakistan, known as East Pakistan after 1955.

What period is referred to as Ancient Bengal?

Up to 1204.

What empire ruled Bengal primarily from 750 to 1162 AD?

The Pala Empire.

What language is primarily spoken in Bangladesh?

Bengali (Bangla).

What percentage of the Bangladeshi population is Muslim?

88-89%.

How is the history of Bengal divided?

Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods.

What was the period of independent rule in Bengal before the British colonial rule?

1757 - 1947.

What is the average growth rate of the Bangladeshi economy in 2023?

6%.

What demographic feature enables Bangladesh to enjoy a demographic dividend?

A large young population.

How many administrative divisions does Bangladesh have?

Eight.

What is the population density of Bangladesh?

1,265 people per km².

What climate characterizes Bangladesh?

Subtropical monsoon climate.

Name a significant natural disaster that affects Bangladesh almost every year.

Floods.

What is the highest recorded rainfall in Bangladesh?

About 5,000 mm in the NE border regions (Chera punji).

Which country shares the longest land border with Bangladesh?

India.

What are the two main types of administrative units in Bangladesh?

Divisions and districts.

What is the focus of the national immunization policy in Bangladesh?

Prevent spread of childhood diseases.

What ethnic group comprises about 98% of Bangladesh's population?

Bengalis.

What is the average life expectancy at birth in Bangladesh for females as of 2022?

76.012 years.

Which empire influenced Bengal during the period 1204 to 1757?

Delhi-based Muslim empires.

How many public universities exist in Bangladesh?

56.

What is one incentive provided by the government to promote education for women in Bangladesh?

Free education up to the higher secondary level?

Which period shows significant progress in reducing poverty in Bangladesh?

Since 1991.

What is the primary occupation of most Bangladeshis?

Agriculture.

What is Bangladesh known for in terms of its physical geography?

Being a big delta and riverine country.

Which climatic feature significantly affects Bangladesh's agriculture?

Seasonal variations in rainfall.

What does the term 'Bangla' refer to?

The official language of Bangladesh.

What was the impact of the 1905 partition of Bengal?

Bengal was divided into two parts.

Where is Bangladesh located in relation to the Tropic of Cancer?

It is bisected by the Tropic of Cancer.

What type of political regime did Bangladesh have after gaining independence in 1971?

Democratic.

In which year was the last partition of Bengal annulled?

1911.

What percentage of the population lives below the national poverty line as of 2022?

18.7%.

What is the literacy rate for women in Bangladesh as part of the national education policy?

Incentives are given to promote female literacy.

What kinds of jobs are commonly found in urban areas of Bangladesh?

Manufacturing and services.

How does climatic diversity affect crop production in Bangladesh?

Multiple harvesting seasons and varieties of crops.

Which region has the highest population density in Bangladesh?

The urban areas.

What is a significant cultural influence on Bangladeshi society?

Islam, as well as Hinduism and Buddhism.

Name one major city in Bangladesh.

Dhaka.

How does the Bangladeshi government support education?

By subsidizing schools and providing incentives for female education.

What aspect of geography enhances Bangladesh's connectivity with the world?

Extensive network of rivers and coastline.

What is the trend of the maximum temperature in Bangladesh?

It shows an increasing trend.

What percentage of Bangladesh's population is Hindu?

9-10%.

What is the primary function of Upazilas in Bangladesh?

Sub-district level administration.

What is the average child mortality rate in Bangladesh as per 2022 data?

25 per thousand live births.

What significance does the 16 million number hold for Bangladesh?

It represents one significant population figure related to density.

What is one of the principal reasons for high population growth in Bangladesh?

Cultural factors, despite government efforts in birth control.

What constitutes the educational board system in Bangladesh?

Nine regional education boards.

What is the capital of Bangladesh?

Dhaka.

What influences Bangladeshi cuisine?

A variety of cultures, including Islamic and Hindu practices.

What historical evidence supports the presence of early civilizations in Bangladesh?

Archaeological findings from sites like Wari Bateshwar.

Name one demographic challenge faced by Bangladesh.

High population density.

How far does Bangladesh extend geographically in terms of latitude?

From 20°34'N to 26°38'N.

What is the primary currency in Bangladesh?

Bangladeshi Taka (BDT).

How does the Bangladeshi climate impact seasonal agriculture?

It leads to diverse cropping seasons.

What plays a crucial role in shaping Bangladeshi cultural identity?

Language and religion.

What role did the British play in the history of Bengal?

They colonized the region from 1757 to 1947.

What is a common source of income for rural families in Bangladesh?

Agriculture.

What particular climate event frequently impacts Bangladesh?

Tropical cyclones.

What agricultural system characterizes Bangladesh?

Varied cropping due to its riverine landscape.

What year did the British East India Company take control of Bengal?

1757.

What is a key factor contributing to the demographic dividend in Bangladesh?

A younger population.

In what context is the phrase ‘melting pot’ used concerning Bangladesh?

To refer to its diverse ethnic and cultural heritage.

What is the literacy rate for general Bangladesh population as of 2021?

Limited data but improving with national education policies.

What natural features significantly impact transportation and trade in Bangladesh?

Rivers and coastline.

How does the Bangladeshi government encourage economic growth?

Through support for industries and trade.

What is one main challenge of the Bangladeshi infrastructure?

Overpopulation in urban areas.

What recent trend can be observed regarding poverty rates in Bangladesh?

They have been decreasing over the years.

How does Bangladesh compare to other nations in terms of population density?

It is one of the most densely populated countries.

What are 'Union Councils' in the context of Bangladesh?

Smallest rural administrative units.

What is the importance of the 'Chittagong Hill Tracts'?

Home to several indigenous tribes.

What is a common health issue faced due to environmental factors in Bangladesh?

Water-borne diseases.

What cultural aspect is highlighted in the notes regarding Bangladesh?

A diverse mix of traditions influenced by various religions.

How does the Bangladeshi climate affect its agricultural production?

High rainfall allows multiple cropping seasons.

What is the current trend for female labor participation in Bangladesh?

39.15% as of 2022.

What type of agricultural produce is Bangladesh known for?

Rice, jute, and various vegetables.

Define the 'demographic dividend' in the context of Bangladesh.

A significant portion of the population being of working age.

How is the administrative structure of Bangladesh organized?

Divisions -> Districts -> Upazilas.

What historical significance does the 1971 liberation war have for Bangladesh?

It marks independence from Pakistan.

What is one way Bangladesh promotes women's education?

Providing stipends for female students.

What is the main objective of urban local government in Bangladesh?

To manage city governance and services.

What diverse cultural elements are found in Bangladeshi music and art?

Influence from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

In which year did the government begin promoting birth control?

Mid-1980s.

How does the geography of Bangladesh influence its cultural diversity?

It has enabled multiple ethnic and tribal groups.