Peoples Republic of Bangladesh

Population estimate 155 million

Population density (people per square mile) 2,497

Population doubling time 35 years

GDP per capita US$ 960

Population doubling time in years:

USA 79. Canada 81. Germany declining. UK 248. Russia declining. China 110. Philippines 41.

Population density (people per square mile)

USA 85. Canada 9. Germany 593. UK 660. Russia 21. China 368. Philippines 795.

GDP per capita in US$:

RECENT HISTORY

Formerly part of British colonial India, gaining independence in 1947.

Whilst both Britain and India wanted a united independent India, post-colonial India eventually suffered from a political partition of the country solely along religious lines. Using historical Hindu Muslim tensions as the reason, the Muslim league demanded an independent Muslim state. The new Muslim country – Pakistan – was created from parts of India with two wings, these being East Pakistan and West Pakistan (West Pakistan being formerly part of Bengal). East and West had a large section of India between them. During the partition thousands of Hindus and Muslims were killed as huge migrations took place - Hindus to India and Muslims to Pakistan. The migrations were based on fear of being left a religious minority in the country of the other.

Following political disputes between East and West the whole government came under military rule in 1958.

In 1971 following civil war, East Pakistan leaders in exile declared unilateral independence as the independent state of Bangladesh.

With escalating international concerns India took a decisive lead and attacked both East and West Pakistan. Pakistan forces surrendered thereby ensuring Bangladesh’s independence.

Economic mismanagement, corruption and virtual dictatorship, followed by a disastrous famine then plagued the country resulting in the president and his family being assassinated.

Another coup and marshal law followed. Further coup attempts and eventually another presidential assassination in 1981

With an economy in ruins and constant political conflict, the country then suffered disastrous flooding. By this time the population had doubled and the only work available to the majority of the population was subsistence farming or fishing.

EDUCATION

The foundation of the educational system in Bangladesh was laid down during the period of British Indian rule. The system has three levels—primary, secondary, and higher education. Primary education, which is free but not compulsory, is for children up to about age 10. Only about half of all children attend primary school. Secondary education is divided into three levels—junior secondary, high school, and higher secondary (intermediate college)—with public examinations being held at the conclusion of each level of schooling. Schools in cities and towns are generally better staffed and financed than those in rural areas.

50% of children are enrolled in primary schools, and 47 percent go on to secondary schools, however poor school attendance contributes to a literacy rate of only 44 percent for Bangladeshis aged 15 and older.

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