Land and Climate

Bangladesh is situated in South Asia between India, Myanmar and the Bay of Bengal. With enchanting landscape, verdant vegetation, meandering rivers and blazing sunshine Bangladesh profusely present a serene atmosphere and scintillating scenic beauty throughout its length and breadth. The countryside is a fascinating tapestry embroidered green by nature. The tender paddy plants rippling in gentle breeze on the vast expanse of the cropland sweeping the horizon easily catches one's imagination.

With an area of 55,598 sq. miles and a population of about 126 million, it occupies the apex of the arch formed by the Bay of Bengal into which drain a large number of rivers and their tributaries crisscrossing the country and making it a very fertile delta. The land mass is deltaic comprising mainly the delta of three mighty rivers the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system. The land of the country is considered as one of the world's most fertile which helps abundant growth of various crops. Hills and hillocks dot the district of Chittagong Hill Tracts in the Southeast. Comparatively low hills immaculately terraced for the green-top tea gardens in the Northeastern Sylhet add color to the area. The highest peak (Keokradong) in the country's southeastern region stands 3,454 feet. The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangroves and home of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger stretches along the Southwest coast. The world's longest natural sea beach lies along the southern coast of Cox's Bazaar.

Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate marked by sweltering temperatures and high humidity almost round the year. The average annual temperature ranges between 56.3⁰F and 79.7⁰F in winter months and between 75.2⁰F and 102.2⁰F during summer months. In rare cases the temperature goes down to less than 41⁰F but never touches freezing point. Annual rainfall varies from 62.99 inches to 78.74 inches. In the summer and monsoon Tropical cyclones, storms and tidal bores are not uncommon.

People

The people of Bangladesh known as Bengalis are simple, gentle and generous by nature. Since time immemorial, they are known for their bravery and valour as well as hospitality and friendliness. Frankness is a feature of the Bengalis' character. They have torrent of tolerance in them which has made them free of any communal feelings despite the diverse racial mix from the ancient times. As the great rivers pour out to the Bay of Bengal cleansing the land of its pollution, so are its people who have no pretensions and are free from any form of impurity in their heart. The self-respecting Bengalis have always resisted foreign domination. The dream had always been the freedom which they finally won on March 26, 1971.

The aged and the elders are revered. Respect for women and affection for children are distinct national traits. Mutual feelings and respect, values and morality and deep family ties and relationships are fundamental to the social fabric and cultural affinity.

The people are creative. Literary luminaries like Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore, rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rural poet Jasim Uddin wielded their pen against social vices and injustices. They portrayed the true picture of the then Indian subcontinent. Their incisive pen inspired the people to rise against the British colonial rule and their exploitation of the people and the land. The power of their pen provided the people with the spirit of self-respect.

Rice is the staple food of the Bengalis while fish, pulses, and potatoes form an important part of their diet. In the rural Bangladesh, men wear cotton lungis and shirts. The urban people have adapted themselves to western dresses like trousers and jackets etc. along with lungis and shirts. Sarees are women's universal dress both in rural and urban areas. Bangladesh women profusely adored for their beauty, grace and elegance also wear silk, nylon jamdanis and other impressive dresses on special occasions. Bengali new year's day (Pahela Baishakh) corresponding to April 14 or 15 is widely and extensively celebrated throughout the whole country.

Of the major festivals, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr after a month of fasting and Eid-ul-Azha, the Hindus Durga Puja and Janmasthami, the Buddhists observe Buddha Purnima and the Christians the Christmas and the Easter Sunday.