Bangladesh has a population of over 125 million people, more than twice that of Britain, although it is half the size of Britain. The Muslims constitute 88% of the people, the Hindus 10% and the remainders are Christians and Buddhists. There are about one million tribal people, who have distinct cultures of their own. Staple foods for the Bangladeshi people are rice, vegetable, pulses and fish. |
Religion and faith come naturally to the Bangladeshi people. To worship is not an act outside everyday life. Worship is as natural as eating and sowing. Different faiths have come together to create a mosaic and are like many coloured flowers all held together in a bouquet called Bangladesh. The Muslim festival of Eid, the Hindu celebration of goddess Durga, the Buddhist observation of Buddha’s birth and “Nirvana” on Maghi Purnima, the Christian celebration of Christmas all seem belong to all Bangladeshis.
Lungis and vests are the usual attire for men in the rural areas as opposed to shirts and trousers in the urban areas. Rich or poor, the common dress of women is sari. Nothing identifies a woman as being Bangladeshi so strongly as the sari, although women also wears saris in many other countries, especially India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Although there is a strong presence of western dresses among the young today, sari reigns supreme.
The face of a Bangladeshi man or woman may seem to be deeply touched by pain and suffering of his/her miserable existence, yet it is still not crushed by the weight of a life in which hope has disappeared without ceremony. It is never without resolve. Look into their eyes and you will see bubbles of thousand crystal clear rivers. |
