Bangladesh: Demographics: o Population: 166.28 Million o Language: Bangla (Bengali), English o Religion: Muslim (89.5%), Hindu (9.6%), others including Christian and Buddhist (.9%) o GDP: 140.2 Billion dollars (2013 est.) o Largest Exports: Garments/knitwear (2nd largest in the world), Agricultural products, frozen Shrimp, Jute and jute goods, Leather goods. o Currency: Bangladeshi taka or BDT o Major banks (3 largest): Bangladesh Bank is the state owned central bank of the country. It controls the monetary system. Government: o Bangladesh is a Parliamentary Democracy o Greatest representation of citizens in parliament o The Politics of Bangladesh take place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government and of the multi-party system. o Executive powers are exercised by the government. o Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. o The constitution of Bangladesh was written in 1972 and has undergone fifteen amendments. Education: o The educational system in Bangladesh is three-tiered and highly subsidized. o The government of Bangladesh operates many schools in the primary, secondary and higher secondary levels. o Primary - 5 year cycle (free) o Secondary - 7 year cycle o 3 years of junior secondary o 2 years of secondary o 2 years of higher secondary (colleges) o Tertiary education - 3-5 years o Establishment of private universities has risen over the past few years Universities: Among these universities the main (public) ones are: o University of Dhaka o Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology o Rajshahi University Among the private universities the main ones are: o North South University o BRAC University o Independent University of Bangladesh Food: o Bhuna Khichuri: A dish consisting of mainly rice and lentils, along with using spices like ginger and cinnamon. o Kata Moshlar Mangsho: A dish combining meat with whole spices (ginger, garlic, red chilies, cinnamon stick, pepper, cardamom, etc.). Holidays: o Shahid Dibash (International Mother Language Day, February 21): opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made to protect Bangla as the national language during the Bengali Language Movement (1952). o Shadhinota Dibôsh (Independence Day, March 26): Celebration of the nation’s independence, activities centered on the Jatiyo Sriti Soudho, the National Martyr’s Memorial in Savar. o Victory Day (December 16) commemorating the day when the liberation war came to end with the surrender of the Pakistani soldiers. o Pôhela Boishakh (Bangla New Year’s Day, April 14): celebrating New Year’s Day, time of visiting and sharing food with relatives, neighbors and friends. In several locations around the country, there are traditional performances, markets selling crafts, food and agricultural products. o May Dibôsh (May Day, May 1): celebrates solidarity with workers around the world. History: o Originally part of British India (that included present Bangladesh, India and Pakistan) o Bengali Independence Movement led to the partition from Pakistan (1971). The present day Bangladesh was known as East Pakistan and the present day Pakistan was known as West Pakistan. Both East Pakistan and West Pakistan combined, was once known as Pakistan prior to Dec 16, 1971. o 1974 severe floods dramatically decrease the growth of the grain crop, leading to about 28,000 deaths. o Sheikh Mujib was assassinated in a military coup in 1975 o Islam became the state religion in 1988 Family life: o Extended family living under the same roof is less common in today’s world o Typically, families eat together o Many mothers stay at home during the day, the father is the primary source of income o Parents expect to be seen as equals when it comes to making decisions o It is respectful to allow family members time alone, to do activities/socialize as they please, but minors are expected to ask permission before leaving the home to socialize. Celebrities and Musicians: o Dr. Mohammed Yunus - Noble Laureate (2006 in Peace) and the founder of micro credit system that is helping the poor throughout the world, including USA. o Dr. Fazlur Rahman Khan - a structural engineer and architect who initiated important structural systems for skyscrapers. Considered the "father of tubular designs for high-rises", Khan was also a pioneer in computer-aided design. He is the designer of the Willis (Sears) Tower, the second-tallest building in the United States and the 100-story John Hancock Center o Sir Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose - He had pioneered the investigation of radio and microwave optics. o Sabina Yasmin - Singer