Bangladesh, the Country
Don Harris – Scarborough ON To most Canadians, Bangladesh is a country they find difficult to picture in their minds. They may even be uncertain as to where to look for it on a map. Surrounded by India on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on the south, it is the world’s most densely populated country. The people are 83% Muslim, 16% Hindu, and 1% Christian and Buddhist. The land is flat except for the south eastern edge where it shares a short border with Myanmar (Burma). Bangladesh has numerous large and small rivers, fish farming ponds, and flooded rice paddies so its appearance from the air convinces the viewer that over 50% of the land is water. With a long history of being conquered by invading armies, its modern history took a dramatic turn with the British withdrawal from India and Bengal in 1947. The Partition displaced tens of millions of people in the world’s largest internal migration. From this relocation of people, on religious grounds, came East and West Pakistan. This two-part country struggled onward until 1971 when East Pakistan declared independence and became Bangladesh.
The “national personality” of Bangladesh includes many virtues developed in the face of adversity. Natural tragedies occur on an annual basis: terrible cyclones during the monsoon season can dump up to two meters of water on the land, drowning livestock and people, and destroying homes by the tens of thousands. In 1970, one storm killed 500,000 people and then a two-year famine followed. Man-made adversities can be in the form of corrupt government and police personnel but such corruption is not overlooked. Arrests are made, punishment given, and accountability strengthened. Birthrates have lowered from seven children per family to an average of four children by a persuasive government media campaign. Unemployment is about 25% and yet the support of family and the ingenuity for survival results in very few beggars on urban streets. High illiteracy levels are being reduced by an emphasis on education for children, especially girls, and providing school availability for rural areas. Bangladesh people are very curious and will gather around a foreigner in a silent staring way, but as soon as you smile, wave, or shake their hand, they relax and smile and attempt conversation with “What country are you from?” and “How do you like Bangladesh?"
They are a warm-hearted, very hospitable people, who welcome you with gratitude for whatever measure of assistance you may offer towards their country’s progress. You, the donors of Sleeping Children, are entitled to feel a warmth in your heart as you are a supportive part of Bangladesh’s present growth and future. |
