Your guide to being an expatriate in Bangladesh

Demographics of Bangladesh:

Religion Overview

Bangladesh is predominantly Muslim, with 90% of the population practicing this religion. The remaining 10% follows Hinduism, Christianity, and other religions such as Buddhism, Islam, and Animism.

Major Religions

Climate

Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate, which is characterized by hot and humid summers, mild winters, and heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. In the spring and autumn, the weather is generally pleasant, making these seasons ideal for exploring the country's natural beauty.

Economy Overview

The Bangladeshi economy is primarily driven by agriculture and textile production. Rice is the primary crop grown in the country, while garments, including knitwear and woven fabrics, are the largest export merchandise. In recent years, IT and ITES (Information Technology and IT Enabled Service) have also received significant attention, contributing to the country's economic growth. The World Bank anticipates that Bangladesh's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 7.2% in 2022.

Key Industries

• Agriculture
• Textile production
• IT and ITES

Major Companies

• Beximco
• BGI Group
• Intech
• LLC
• Omartic Group
• Delta
• BRAC Bank

Culture and Language Overview

Bangladesh's culture is deeply rooted in its rich history and traditions. The Bengali language, which is spoken by over 98% of the population, is the official language, and its literature is renowned worldwide. Bangladeshis celebrate various festivals throughout the year, including Pohela Boishakh (New Year's Day), Eid-ul-Fitr, and Muharram. Bathing in sacred rivers such as the Ganges, Padma, and Brahmaputra is a deeply entrenched traditional practice.

Cultural Highlights

• Festivals: Pohela Boishakh, Eid-ul-Fitr, Muharram
• River bathing: Ganges, Padma, and Brahmaputra
• Bengali literature: Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Syed Mujtaba Ali
• Classical music: Baul songs, Rabindra Sangeet
• Cuisine: Fish curry, biryani, kacchi biryani, murgoshtha

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Bangladesh is a country abundant in natural beauty, with the Himalayas bordering it to the northwest and Bay of Bengal to the south. Its vast network of rivers, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna, provide the country with its iconic waterbodies, transforming it into a land of water. Some of the notable landmarks in Bangladesh include the UNESCO World Heritage Cities of Bagerhat and Srimangal, the Sundarbans protected forest region, and the Majar Shahecher Gombi monument.

Notable Landmarks

• UNESCO World Heritage Cities: Bagerhat, Srimangal
• Sundarbans Mangrove Forest Reserve
• Godhuli Spa Resort: Rangamati
• Cox's Bazar: Elegant Beach and the World's Longest Uninterrupted Sand Beach
• National Memorial: Savar
• Mujibnagar: Historic Independence Liberation War Museum
• West Bengal Barrage: Natore
• Shaheen Ratheshwari Smriti Sheela: Dhaka
• Majar Shahecher Gombi: Sonagazi, Feni
• Freedom Fighters Circle: Manikganj

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Pohela Boishakh (Bangla New Year, Mid-April)
• Shahid Dibosh (International Workers' Day, May 1)
• Armed Forces Day (21 May)
• Independence Day (26 March)
• Eid ul Fitr (Muslim religious holiday, varies)
• Kadin Mubarak (Eid al-Adha, Muslim religious holiday, varies)

Political Stability

The political landscape of Bangladesh is relatively stable, with democratic processes serving as the bedrock of governance. The annual elections, held in a free and fair manner, allow citizens to elect their representatives, ensuring the smooth functioning of the government. However, political instability continues to pose some challenges, particularly riots and occasional disruptions to essential services. The accelerated urbanization is contributing to problems such as slums, sanitation and hygiene, pollution, and congested transport systems, which necessitates the ongoing execution of Bangladesh's Vision 2041 development plan.