Once part of British India’s Bengal province, Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, was born from the tumultuous independence and subsequent partition of India. Following a ruinous, year-long war of independence against Pakistan, in 1971, Bangladesh split away and became its own independent nation.
Today, Bangladesh, tucked between India and Myanmar, is one of Asia’s undiscovered jewels; it boasts incredible physical beauty, with emerald rice paddies, lush rainforests, and the world’s longest natural beach. Additionally, Bangladesh is one of Asia’s least visited countries, and is thus an excellent choice for travelers seeking to travel off the well-worn path.
Bangladesh is home to Muslims and Hindus who speak Bengali, the same dialect spoken across the border in eastern India. Additionally, the country also hosts a small population of Buddhists and Animist tribal peoples.
In contrast to many other nations, Bangladesh is, despite its poverty, a forward-thinking nation, eager to protect its natural heritage and even encouraging green energy, microcredit financing to help impoverished citizens start businesses, and banning plastic bags. While Bangladesh is known to many in the West as a nation of monsoons, floods, and social inequality, it is also a stimulating, remote destination that teems with wildlife and flora, and is heir to a rich cultural and historic heritage.