Glimpses of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a vibrant and resilient nation located in Southern Asia, bordered by India and Myanmar, and fronting the Bay of Bengal. Positioned at 90° East Longitude and 24° North Latitude, it spans an area of 147,570 square kilometers and is home to approximately 164.7 million people, making it the second-largest Muslim country by population and the seventh-largest human resource reservoir in the world.

The capital city, Dhaka, established in 1608 A.D., is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Often referred to as the “City of Mosques and Muslin”, Dhaka is a hub of commerce, culture, and connectivity.

Key Highlights

• UN Contribution: Bangladesh is the second-largest contributor to United Nations peacekeeping forces, showcasing its commitment to global peace and stability.

• Global Expertise: Bangladeshi engineers and professionals are working with leading international organizations such as Intel, Microsoft, Facebook, and NASA.

• Major Delta: Home to the world’s largest delta, Bangladesh boasts rich agricultural lands and abundant water resources.

Geography & Climate

• Area: 147,570 sq. km

• Population Composition:

  • Muslim: 90%

  • Hindu: 9%

  • Buddhist: 0.6%

  • Christian: 0.3%

  • Others: 0.1%

• Capital: Dhaka

• Major Airports: Dhaka, Chittagong, Jessore, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Barisal, Cox’s Bazar, Syedpur

• Sea Ports: Chittagong, Mongla, and Payra

• Climate:

  • Winter: Max 28.9°C, Min 6.9°C

  • Summer: Max 38.5°C, Min 18.9°C

  • Average Monsoon Rainfall: 90 inches

Government Structure

• Head of State: President

• Head of Government: Prime Minister

Economic Overview

• Currency: Taka (Tk)

  • Exchange rate: Approx. 1 USD = Tk 83.90 (variable)

• Per Capita Income: USD 4,560 (2018)

• Major Exports:

  • Readymade Garments

  • Manpower

  • Textiles

  • Jute and Jute Products

  • Shrimps and Fish

  • Tea and Vegetables

  • Medicines and Handicrafts

• Major Imports:

  • Medical and Transport Equipment

  • Machinery

  • Petroleum and Edible Oil

  • Raw Materials for Industry

Industrial Sectors

• Heavy Industries: Jute, Textile, Sugar, Paper, Fertilizers, Steel, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Toiletries, Cement, Shipbuilding, Ceramics, Garments, Leather, Fisheries

• Small Industries: Glass, Soap, Plastic, Hosiery, Food Processing

• Cottage Industries: Cotton & Silk Fabrics, Jewelry, Handicrafts, Copper & Aluminum Products

Agriculture & Resources

• Major Crops: Rice, Jute, Sugarcane, Tea, Tobacco, Vegetables, Potato

• Minerals: Coal, Oil, Natural Gas, Limestone, Silica Sand

• Others: Rubber, Timber