Geographical position and Climate of Bangladesh
Bangladesh sits in South Asia, bordered by India on the west, north, and east, Myanmar to the southeast, and the Bay of Bengal to the south. It’s nearly cradled by the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. The geographical coordinates are approximately 24°N latitude and 90°E longitude.
Country has a tropical monsoon climate characterized by heavy seasonal rainfall, high temperatures, and high humidity. Here’s a brief overview:
Summer (March to June)
- Hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C.
- Late summer brings the monsoon, with heavy rains and thunderstorms.
Monsoon (June to October)
- Dominated by the southwest monsoon, causing heavy rainfall across the country.
- Prone to flooding during this season.
Winter (November to February)
- Cooler with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.
- This is the driest season, offering clear skies and pleasant weather.
The country can be impacted by cyclones, particularly during the transition periods between the seasons. The southern coastal regions are most vulnerable to these extreme weather events. Due to its low-lying geography, Bangladesh is also subject to riverine flooding, especially during the monsoon season.
Brief History of Bangladesh
Bangladesh, once part of Bengal, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It was known for its prosperous trade and rich culture during ancient times. In the medieval period, it was ruled by various Islamic empires before falling under British colonial rule in the 19th century.
Post-Partition in 1947, Bangladesh became East Pakistan, part of the newly formed state of Pakistan. However, cultural and linguistic differences led to the Bangladeshi Liberation War in 1971, after which Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation.
Since independence, Bangladesh has made significant strides in economic development and social progress, despite challenges like political turmoil and natural disasters. Today, it’s recognized for its vibrant culture, textile industry, and as a leader in disaster management and climate resilience.
Religion
The predominant religion in the country is Islam, with about 90% of the population identifying as Muslims, making it one of the largest Muslim-majority countries in the world. The majority of Muslims in Bangladesh are Sunni, with a small Shia and Ahmadiyya minority.
Hinduism is the second-largest religion, accounting for around 8% of the population. There are also small communities of Buddhists, Christians, and people who follow other religions or none at all. Despite the religious diversity, Bangladesh is known for its generally harmonious social fabric.
Language
The official language of Bangladesh is Bengali (Bangla), which is spoken as the first language by the vast majority of the population. It’s an Indo-Aryan language and is written in the Bengali script. English is also widely used, particularly in the realms of business, education, and government.
Places to visit in Bangladesh
- Dhaka
- Chittagong
- Rajshahi
- Sundarbans National Park
- Lawachara National Park
- Bhawal National Park
- Satchari National Park
Before you visit Bangladesh
Travel to Bangladesh
By Air
- The most common way to enter Bangladesh is by air.
- Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport is the primary entry point, with flights from major cities worldwide.
With car or bus
- You can enter Bangladesh overland from India at several border crossings, such as Benapole, Haridaspur, and Akhaura.
- There’s also a crossing from Myanmar at Teknaf.
By Sea
- Although less common, you can travel to Bangladesh by sea.
- The main seaport in Chittagong handles passenger ships and cruises occasionally.
Always check visa requirements and current travel advisories before planning your trip.