Bangladesh is a country steeped in history, tradition and culture. Independent since 1971, it encompasses the best of the traditional and the modern.Bangladesh is a country of charming natural beauty and splendour, inhabited by a hardworking but gentle and hospitable people. The country is now poised for takeoff into a new era of rapid growth and development, presenting opportunities aplenty for both citizens and guests. This website introduces you to some aspects of Bangladesh. The site also offers use of some consular services.Bangladesh, on the northern coast of the Bay of Bengal, is surrounded by India, with a small common border with Myanmar in the southeast. The country is low-lying riverine land traversed by the many branches and tributaries of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. Tropical monsoons and frequent floods and cyclones inflict heavy damage in the delta region.

Recorded history is traceable to 4th century B.C. and shows clear evidence of a flourishing civilization with cities, palaces, temples, forts, seats of learning and monasteries.

• 1200 A.D.: Advent of the Muslims, periods of prosperity under Muslim rule;



• 17th century - A time of economic well-being;



• 1757: Beginning of British colonial rule;



• 1947: Departure of the British from Indian subcontinent;



• Bangladesh becomes "East Bengal/East Pakistan";



• 1971: Emergence of the sovereign state of Bangladesh through an armed struggle for freedom.

Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate with heavy summer rain and high summer temperatures. Winters are dry and cool. South and Southwest winds dominate from mid-April to mid-October and bring enormous amounts of moisture from the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. 95% of the total rainfall, which averages about 80 inches (2,040 millimeters) occurs during that period. The temperatures range from an average of about 68 F (18C) in January to about 86 F (30C) in April.

Bengali tradition divides the year into six seasons; Grishmo(summer), Barsha(rainy), Sarat(early autumn), Hemanta(late autumn), Sheet(winter) and Boshonto (spring). For practical purposes, however, four seasons are clearly distinguishable; Summer, Rainy, late Autumn (when harvesting takes place) and Winter. Rains begin in April accompanied by Norwester or 'Kalbaishakhi'. It is then that farmers start tilling their land for early crop. With the onset of monsoon in the first week of June heavy downpour starts, and average temperature falls to low 80F. These heavy rains last for about two to three months causing floods and inundation of fields and riverbanks. The Winter is moderate while the Spring is mellow and pleasant.

Islam is the predominant religion with over 88% adherents. Hindus comprise about 10% of the population. The rest are Buddhists, Christians and animists. People are generally pious and keen in observing their respective religious rites and festivities with fervour. Bangladesh is a model of religious harmony and tolerance. Different religious communities and groups live in peace and the minorities are well represented in all tiers of society as well as in the government machinery.

Standard time of Bangladesh is 6 hours ahead of GMT. Friday and Saturday are weekly government holidays while private offices and enterprises observe Friday as the weekly day-off and remain open on Saturday. Office hours are from morning 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.