At a glance Official Name The People's Republic of Bangladesh Government Parliamentary form of government, headed by the Prime Minister

Location & Borders South Asia bordered by India on the east,west & north and by Bay of Bengal on the south and small border strip with Myanmar on the southeast. Area/Land 147,570 square km-mostly alluvial fertile plain. Territorial Waters 22.22 km. Economic Zone up to 370.40 km. in the high seas, measured from the base lin Climate/Seasons Average winter temp (Max 29 deg. C and Min 11 deg. C) . Average Summer temp ( Max 40 deg. C and Min 21 deg C) . Seasons: Summer, Monsoon, Autumn, Late Autumn, Winter & Spring . Annual rainfall Varies from 160 cm to 400 cm at different areas. Humidity Highest 99 % during peak summer in July, Lowest 36% during winter in Dec-Jan Standard Time GMT+6 hours Population/Literacy 140.6 million /68.5% Official Language Bangla, English is generally understood and widely spoken. Capital Dhaka, Area 1416 sq. km. Administrative Units Division:6; Zila:64; Thana:507; Union:4484; Village:87319 Major cities Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barisal, Mymensing & Comilla Airports Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Jessore, Rajshahi, Iswardi, Cox's Bazar, Syedpur and Barisal. International Airport Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong Sea Port Chittagong and Mongla Places of tourist interest Colorful tribal life of Hill Tracts, World's largest and longest sea beach at Cox's Bazar, Kuakata and Parky sea beach, Foy's Lake , Dulahajra safari park, Sitakund echo park at Chittagong, century old historical sites at Dhaka, Pharpur, Moinamati, Mohastangar, Sundarban the home of Royal Bengal Tiger and world's largest mangrove ferest, lash green tea gargens of Sylhet, riverine life etc. Tourist season October to March Banking hour Sunday- Thursday (9:00 am-3:00 pm) Exchange rate Taka (T.) / Floating exchange rate hovers round US$ 1.00= Tk. 68.51, Euro 1.00=Tk 90.84 Religion 4 Major religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity Sectoral share of GDP 21.77% agriculture, 29.01% industry, 49.22% service (2005-06). GDP/rate of growth US$ 68.14 billion /6.71% (2006-07) Per Capita GDP/GNI US$554 / US$482 (2005-06) Annual Export/Import US$ 14,110.80 billion (2007-08) / US$ 15.51 billion (2006-2007) Major exports Readymade garments, frozen foods (shrimps), leather, leather products, jute, jute products, tea, ceramic, textile fabrics, home textile, chemical product, light engineering products including bi-cycle. Major imports Oil, edible oil, petroleum product, wheat, seeds, fertilizer, yarn, capital goods, machinery, power generating machinery, scientific & medical equipment, iron & steel, motor vehicles, raw cotton, chemicals. Major trading partners USA, EU countries, China, India, Pakistan, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and UAE HISTORY Bangladesh emerged as an independent country in 1971 through the nine month long liberation war against the occupation forces of Pakistan. The history of the country is as old as it is eventful. In the ancient age, an Austro-Asian race first inhabited in this part of the world. Then came the Dravidians from Western India and later on the Aryans from Central Asia to establish their small settlements. This followed the influx of the Mongolians, Persians, Turks and Afghans. According to Greek sources of the 4th century B.C., the people of this deltaic-region made extensive military preparations to halt the advance of Alexander, the Great who had chosen to continue his eastward march. Later records, inscriptions, coins and ornaments testify the traditional civilization and

glorious past of East Bengal, now Bangladesh. Muslims, who came to this region at the beginning of the 13th century, continued their rule till the advent of the British in the 18th century. The British domination over the subcontinent was for about 200 years, and while leaving in 1947 they partitioned it into two sovereign states, India and Pakistan. Bangladesh came into being on March 26, 1971. PHYSICAL FEATURES Bangladesh is a deltaic region of 147,570 sq. kilo meter. It lies between 20 degree 34' and 26 degree 38' North Latitude and 88 degree 01' and 92 degree 42' East Longitude. It has its boundary with India on three sides- east, north and west and with Myanmar on the southeast. To the south lies the Bay of Bengal. Over 85 percent of the area of the country is flat, alluvial and plain and is crisscrossed by the mighty rivers like Padma, Meghna, Jamuna and their innumerable tributaries and distributaries. The hill tracts along the eastern border is under forest. The better-known swampy, tropical mangrove forest the Sundarbans lies along the southwestern coast of the Bay of Bengal. Low hills and hillocks border the plains in Sylhet in the northeast. An extensive hill area covers the district of Chittagong Hill Tracts in the southeast. The hills run north and south with an average elevation of about 2,000 feet. CLIMATE The temperature is equable and moderate. The minimum temperature varies between 9 degree centigrade to 29 degree centigrade in winter. The maximum temperature ranges from 21 degree centigrade to 40 degree centigrade in summer. The annual rainfall varies from 160 cm to 400 cm. There are six seasons in Bangladesh. These are: summer, monsoon, autumn, late autumn, winter, and spring. Rain in Bangladesh is associated with occasional tropical storms and cyclones, which originate in The Himalayas in summer and in the Bay of Bengal in autumn. There is a short premonsoon rainy season from April to May due to occasional nor-westers (cyclone) accompanied by thunderstorms. Although Summer and Winter are the two main seasons distinctly prominent, the monotony is broken with the change of seasons in every two months recorded as per Bangla Calendar. These changes are, however, in degrees and one mixes with the approaching next like that of a rainbow of seven colours. This inter-woven changing pattern gives a pleasant touch to the people offering a distinct colour, smell and sound to the landscape for every short season. The summer is broken by a welcome monsoon rain, making the land suitable for cultivation. This is again changed to happy Autumn, pleasant Winter and colourful Spring. TIME Standard time of Bangladesh is 6 hours ahead of GMT. OFFICE AND BANKING HOURS Friday and Saturday are the weekly official holiday and the Govt. office hours are from 9.00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Banks run from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday. Private office timing ranges from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on all working weekdays. PEOPLE Bangladesh is one of the world's most densely populated countries with about 140.00 million people. They descended from several racial and sub-racial groups entering South Asia over the past 5000 years. RELIGION There are four major religions in Bangladesh : Islam, Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism. Muslims represent about 85% of the total population. They live in perfect peace and harmony with fellow minority brethen who are well represented in all walks of life.

LANGUAGE Bangla is the official language of the country. English is the second language and widely used in education, business and commerce. Arabic is also read and learned by the Muslim community as the religious language. EDUCATION Although the literacy rate is still around 68.5% , the trend towards higher education in the urban society is noticeable. There are 53 general universities in the public and private sectors, five engineering universities, one medical university and two agricultural universities in the country. Besides, 18 medical colleges and a large number of vocational and technical institutions with a wide variety of specializations are also in existence in the country. One International Institute on Engineering and Technology funded by the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) is operating in Bangladesh with expatriate teachers and students from the OIC member-nations. Besides, hundreds and thousands of general colleges, high schools, junior high schools and primary/kindergarten schools are in operation. CAPITAL Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh is situated almost in the middle of the country on the bank of the river Buriganga. This historic city was founded in 1608 A.D. by the Mughal Emperors and has a rich history of more than 2000 years. The city has all modern facilities with international hotels equipped with all modern communication systems. The places of historical interest in the city are : National Museum, Lalbagh Fort, Baldha Garden, Ahsan Manzil (Palace), Bukland Embankment, Bara Katra, Chhoto Katra etc. Besides, the National Mausoleum at Savar and the Folk Museum at Sonargaon are two attractive places within reasonable distance. Dhaka is also characterized by thousands of ancient and modern mosques, for which it is known as the city of mosques. CHITTAGONG The second largest city Chittagong was termed as " a sleeping beauty emerging from the mist and water" in the 7th century and "Ports Grande" in the 16th century. This large and thriving port city has developed amidst lively and lovely natural surroundings studded with green-clad, coconut palms, mosques, minarets and shrines of Muslim saints as well as Buddhist and Hindu temples against the background of the silver blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. Chittagong is connected with Dhaka by rail, road and air and with India, Thailand and middle east countries by air. Good accommodation is available in hotels and motels. RANGAMATI Rangamati, the headquarters of Chittagong Hill Tracts region, is on the eastern bank of the famous Kaptai lake. It is inhabited by colourful and hospitable tribal folks. Rangamati is connected with Chittagong by road and with Kaptai by water ways. Accommodation is available at a reasonable cost with the tourist motels and cottages situated at scenic spots on the bank of the lake. Mechanised and country boats are available for cruise in the lake. KHULNA Gateway to the Sundarbans, the home of the Royal Bengal Tigers, Khulna is an industrial and commercial city and the Divisional Headquarters. The Mongla Sea Port is located nearby. Some of the biggest jute mills in the country are located here. Khulna is connected with Dhaka by rail, road, river and air. SHUNDARBAN Fascinating tropical forest covering 2,316 square miles of deltaic swamp alongwith the coastal fringe of the southern most part of Bangladesh. The Sundarbans is the natural habitat of many of the wild life like crocodile, dotted deer , python, wild bear, monkey and the famous Royal Bengal

Tiger. RAJSHAHI The royal seat of the Pala kings of ancient Bengal, Rajshahi is the main centre of sericulture, mangoes, lichis and spices. A centre of education and culture, Rajshahi has a rich museum with research facility for study of ancient history and culture. It is connected with Dhaka by air, road and rail. BOGRA This district town serves as the nerve centre of northern Bangladesh and the entrance to the oldest archaeological site of the 3rd century B.C. It is connected with Dhaka by rail and road. SYLHET The land of tea gardens. Sylhet is famous for its Manipuri tribe and their dances. Its cane and cane products are equally fascinating. The hills in the north add to its natural beauty. It is connected with Dhaka by rail, road and air. MAINAMATI Five miles to the west of Comilla town, lies a range of low hills known as the Mainamoti-Lalmai range. It was an important seat of Buddhist culture. Large scale excavations have revealed valuable facts about Buddhist rulers who flourished here as independent kings during the 7th and 8th centuries. The whole range of hillocks, about 11 miles long, is believed to be studded with more than 50 Buddhist archaeological sites. KUAKATA Kuakata, the 25 KM long sea beach situated at the periphery of the southern part of Patuakhali is a potential tourist resort. It provides a unique opportunity to witness both sun rise and sun set. The local Rakhain population have rich cultural tradition and their hospitality is well known. The 200 acres dense forest gives the beach a pleasant look and it serves as a wall against tidal bore. A Buddhist pagoda is located at the sea-shore and a statue of Buddha weighing over 1.5 metric tons is preserved inside the Pagoda. AIR TRANSPORT Biman, the National Airlines of Bangladesh, is now serving twenty-six cities of the world across three continents. Most of Biman's destinations are served with either non-stop or one stop service. Convenient transfer connections from Dhaka to the regional destinations like Kolkata, Kathmandu and Yangoon are easily available. Besides, the principal international air port, Zia international air port in Dhaka is well connected with all international cities through regular flights of Air India, Aeroflot, British Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air, Iraq Airways, KLM, Dragon Air, Myanmar Airways, Kuwait Airways, PIA, Royal Nepal Air Lines, Saudia, Singapore Air Lines and Thai International. Biman is reputed for its well-trained and dedicated cabin crew with appreciable safety record. RAILWAY Importance of Bangladesh railway in our economic development is great. Bangladesh railway has 2880 Km networking throughout the country. It has adequate capacity of carrying passengers and cargo from and to the important cities of the country. ROAD TRANSPORT Bangladesh has about 8555Km of national and regional highways (National 3723 Km and regional, 4832 Km in 2003). The road transport is predominantly in the private sector. However, state owned Bangladesh Road transport Corporation has a big fleet of buses and lorries to connect the capital with almost all parts of the country. The important business centres are well connected by roads and highways. The Thana headquarters, the basic administrative units of the country, have been planned to be brought under direct road connection with Dhaka in phases. INDUSTRY GDP growth of broad Industry sector was 9.56% in FY 2005-06 compared to 8.28% in FY 2004-05.

The performance of the industrial sector was mainly based on the growth in textile and wearing apparel, drugs and pharmaceuticals, fertilizer, petroleum products, glass products, cement, electronics, footwear and food & beverage industries. AGRICULTURE Agriculture still holds an important position in our national economy in creating employment and increasing national income. In FY 2005-06, the contribution of this sector in national income is about 21.77%. Growth in agriculture has increased to 4.67%. Growth during the year 2004-2005 was 1.80%. Fish production in FY 2005-06 has increased by 3.89%. Growth in the sector during the preceding year was 3.65%. Food production during the FY 2004-2005 was 26.13 million tons. Target for FY 2005-06 has been set to 3.14 million tons. SERVICES The service sector continued to be the largest contributor to the country's real GDP growth in 20052006. The sector grew by 6.47% during the year, compared to 6.36% in 2004-2005 and contributed 49.22% to GDP growth. All sub-sectors shared in the overall growth of the services sector activities, but relatively higher growth rates were registered by education (7.98%), transport, storage and communication (8.25%), hotels and restaurant (7.45%), financial services (7.12%), public administration and defence (8.21%), wholesale and retail trade (7.26%) and health and social work (7.17%). INVESTMENT AND SAVING Gross national savings during the year 2005-06 was 26.61% of GDP compared to 25.84% during the previous year. In FY 2005-06, the rate of total investment was 24.97% of GDP in which the shares of public and private sector were 6.30% and 18.67% respectively. Total foreign direct investment registered by BoI during the calendar year 2005 was US$ 800 million which was 22.61% more than the previous year. BALANCE OF PAYMENT Trade deficit stood at US$ 2129 million in the FY 2005-06. The deficit was US$ 2491million in the previous FY 2004-05. The current account registered a surplus balance of US$ 231 million in FY 2005-06 whereas it was a deficit of US$ 612 million during the corresponding period of FY 2004-05. EXPORT Total export earnings registered a 21.63% increase during 2005-2006 and rose to US$ 10156 million (16.03% of GDP) from US$ 8655 million (14.18 of GDP) in 2004-2005. Exports increased chiefly due to higher demand in both developed and developing countries. Garments had the major share (38.86%), followed by knitwear and hosiery (35.43%), frozen foods (4.43%), jute goods (3.94%) leather (2.31%), chemical products (2.52%) and raw jute (1.03%). MPORT Import payment during the first 9 months of FY 2005-2006 was US$ 10612 million compared to US$ 13147 million during the whole FY 2004-2005. Import expenditure increased by 9.5% compared to the first 9 corresponding months of the previous FY 2004-05. In total import, the contribution of capital goods was US$ 1019 million, principal industrial goods US$ 2199 million, principal primary commodities US$ 1270 million, others US$ 6124 million. WAGE EARNERS' REMITTANCES Remittances of Bangladesh expatriates amounted to US$ 3475 million during the first 9 months of

FY 2005-06 as against US$ 3848 million in the preceding whole FY 2004-05. FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVE During 2005-2006, the country's foreign exchange reserve reached at US$ 3040 million on 28.05.2006 from US$ 2930 million at the end of June 2005. REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS (RTA) Regional Trade Agreements/formation of Free Trade Areas (FTA) among countries in a region help in expansion of Intra-regional Trade. Investment and other forms of economic co-operation will accelerate the development of national economy of the member countries. Bangladesh is a member of a number of regional bodies like SAARC, BIMST-EC, Bangkok Agreement and Developing-8. Recently Bangladesh started negotiation bi laterally to form FTA with India, Pakistan and Sri-Lanka and very recently Trade and Investment framework agreement (TIFA) with the United States is also under active consideration of the Government. Bangladesh is also negotiating with the SAARC member countries to form FTA and a move has been initiated to form FTA among BIMST-EC member countries. Co-operation at sub-regional level involving Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and seven north eastern states of India has also been mooted (the growth quadrangle) and KUNMING initiative has been undertaken to form a regional co-operation also. NATURAL RESOURCES Bangladesh is endowed with rich natural resources. Surveys reveal the existence of vast natural gas reserve. The present Govt. signed several productions sharing agreement with the foreign companies to explore natural gas. Extracted natural gas is being distributed to all industrial zones including fertilizer and petro-chemical plants, and other mineral deposits are also being extracted for the country's social and economic development. EXCHANGE CONTROL & BANKING Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of the country, is the legal authority for exchange control system. Commercial banks deal in foreign exchange as per guidelines given by the central bank from time to time. A good number of commercial banks, both in public and in private sectors, are operating in Bangladesh. Besides, a few foreign banks, namely Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), American Express Bank, State Bank of India, Habib Bank Ltd, Standard Chartered Bank, and Citibank N.A are also operating.