Political Overview
Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy in South Asia, having gained independence in 1971. The political landscape is dominated by two major parties: the center-left Awami League, currently led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the center-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Over the past decade, the Awami League has consolidated power, winning consecutive general elections in 2008, 2014, and 2018. While the government has overseen significant economic growth and improvements in infrastructure, concerns remain about electoral fairness, freedom of the press, and the independence of the judiciary.

Cultural Heritage and Identity
Bangladesh celebrates a rich tapestry of cultural heritage shaped by centuries of Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim influences. Bengali identity revolves around the Bengali language, whose preservation was fiercely defended during the 1952 Language Movement; this legacy is commemorated annually on International Mother Language Day (February 21). Traditional arts include folk music (Baul and Bhatiali), vibrant textile crafts like Jamdani sari weaving, and classical dance and drama. The nation also hosts colorful festivals such as Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), Durga Puja, and Eid-ul-Fitr, reflecting its religious and cultural pluralism.

Geographical Landscape, Area and Climate
Covering approximately 147,570 square kilometers, Bangladesh is a low-lying deltaic country formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. Much of its terrain lies near sea level, making it prone to seasonal flooding and cyclones, especially during the monsoon season (June to September). The coastal Sundarbans mangrove forest home to the Bengal tiger is the world’s largest of its kind. The country’s climate is tropical with hot, humid summers, a pronounced monsoon, and mild winters (November to February), supporting rice cultivation, jute production, and a variety of tropical fruit orchards.