According to the latest UNICEF report the mortality rate in children under-five stands at an alarming 94 deaths per 1,000 live births. Malnutrition, pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, measles, injuries are contributing to the high rate of neonatal deaths in the country. Nearly one-half of all children below the age of five years are either underweight or stunted. The poor child health care facilities in the country means that most of these children are not vaccinated exposing them to the threats of life threatening diseases.

There is lack of awareness among women folk in the country concerning basic issues relating to kids health is another key reason resulting in the high mortality rate in children. Some of the areas where more attention need to be focused are: Educating the women folk on the basics of child health care which includes things like importance of breast feeding. This is a very challenging affair considering the high level of illiteracy in the country. Stressing on equal care for the girl child. The track record of Bangladesh on the girl child is not impressive like its South Asian neighbor India.

Making people specially the parents aware of the basic nutritional requirement of a child. Giving them proper break up of the food items required to attain those minimum levels of nutrition. Awareness campaigns on the importance of vaccination for the children of all ages in the country. Regular counseling to pregnant women regarding childbirth and advise them on the required nutritional level during their pregnancy. Encourage women to give birth with assistance from trained health personnel and in a health facility. In absence of a proper medical facility experienced midwives, or trained birth attendants should be present during the child birth. The recent years have shown some improvement as far as child health care is concerned but Bangladesh has a long way to go to achieve the minimum nutritional and other health level in children.

The Jayrito Sriti Soudho is a monument that was built in commemoration of the people who have sacrificed and courageously fought during the country’s Liberation War back in 1971. This was the reason for Bangladesh to achieve its Independence. The monument is still visited today most especially during their Independence Day. Another monument of this country that has been popular is the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial. This one is also built in the honor of the martyred intellectuals who died during the Liberation War. The said war happened when the Pakistani government tried to rule Bangladesh. Until this day, their executions of the said intellectuals are still being celebrated and honored.

The Shabash is another famous shrine in Bangladesh that can be found inside the Rajshahi University. It has sculptures in it which pays tribute to the people who are killed during the war which gained the Independence of the country. The Shaheed Minar, is a known and popular national monument in Bangladesh that is built in honor of the people who died when the Language Movement was being held in Bangladesh. According to their history, students and activists were killed by the Pakistani group while they were protesting for the demand of equal rights for their native language.

Lastly is the Suhrawardy Udyan shrine that is located in Dhaka. It is also called as the Ramma Race. It used to be a military club during the time when British soldiers were assigned in Dhaka. They also made it as a resting place for the three greatest leaders of their country. With the above information, we can see how much pride Bangladesh has with their country. How they fought against the war, and how they sacrificed their own lives jus to gain their Independence and freedom from foreign rulers.

Chhau dance is a form of masked dance performed in the western regions of Bengal. It is a martial arts dance wherein the dancers wear attires together with swords and shields. Each dancers portray different characteristics and roles such as gods, demons and animals. It is more like a dance role playing. Chhau dance can be performed during any occasions. Chhokra dance is performed by young Bangladeshi boys portraying the roles of women. The dance is presented in an open field preferably in a canopied stage. The Chhoka dance is accompanied by a large team of singers and musicians who are commonly seated on the sides of the stage.

Lathi dance is a stick dance performed during the Muharram celebration which is the “Sacred month” of the Islam. This is celebrated during the fist month of the Hegira or the Islamic calendar. This dance is performed by youth groups that wear tight-fitted clothes and carry daggers, swords and cymbals. Kali dance is performed by a dancer wearing a black mask and representing the character of the goddess Kali who is a Hindu goddess which is said to be associated with eternal powers. Kali is known to be the goddess of time and change. The drum is the main instrument being played during the Kali dance.

Ghatu dance is performed with accompanying Ghatu songs which are Bangladesh native folk songs. The name Ghatu was derived if the name Ghat which means ‘river bank’. The Ghatu dance was mainly for entertainment and is not a religious dance. This is a form of dance performed by young boys dressed like girls which are the main attraction of the dance. There are other numerous cultural dances in Bangladesh. These dances each are very entertaining and fun to watch. Dances are still being performed these days, which is one of the main attractions in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh National Museum – located in Shahbagh, Dhaka. This museum was built in1913 with four different departments with a total of forty galleries. The museum has the collections of different ancient stones and metal sculptures. Bangladesh National Museum also displays the country’s collection of old coins, silvers and other metal art works. There are also exhibits of the country’s textiles including the famous muslin fabric. Here, one can also find a vast collection of ancient paintings and handicrafts. Bangladesh National Museum is open daily except on Thursdays.

Mukti Juddho (Liberation War) Museum – located in Segunbagicha, in the city of Dhaka. This museum holds the scarce photographs of Bangladesh’s liberation war items that were used by the unsung heroes of the country’s glorious war. Visitors are always welcome to visit the museum for them to see the treasured historical pieces they have. The museum is open daily except during Sundays.

Ahsan Manjil Museum – sited in Old Dhaka, in the Buriganga’s river bank. This museum was once the home of the Nawabs who were the Rulers of Dhaka. The residence was later made into museum. This Victorian style fort is brightly painted in pink. This museum holds the ancient portraits, furniture, utensils and a collection of household articles used by the Nawabs during their occupation here.

Folks Arts Museum – located at Snagoan, Dhaka. This museum was built in 1975 fulfill the wish of the famous painter, Shilpacharya Zainul Adebin. This museum is the home of the country’s cultural heritage. Exhibiting the Bangladesh’s traditional and uniquely designed artworks.

Lalbagh Fort – a beautiful castle located at the edge of Old Dhaka. The castle was built during the reign of Prince Azam in the year 1676. Prince Azam was the third son of the great Moghul Emperor Aurangazeb. The fort contains long armored walls with octagonal citadel. There is also a mosque built inside the fort, and the Mauseleum of Bibi Pari, and the Audience Hall. Visitors can visit the museum inside the castle, which is officially opened to the public.

Armenian Church – located in Armanitola, Dhaka. The beautiful church was built by the Armenian colony during the year 1791. The church is an attractive ancient-looking cathedral wherein its design dates back in the 17th century.

Tara Masjid (Star Mosque) – one of the most unusual mosques in Dhaka, which also called the “city of mosques”. The name, “Star” was given to the mosque due to the sparkling mosaic of broken china. The mosque was said to have been built way back in the 17th century by Shaista Khan. Infront of the mosque, is a star shaped figure, which stands for the mosque’s name.

Jatiyo Shongshod – Dhaka’s National Parliament building located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Jatiyo Shongshod is built with a vast complex geometrical design. The man behind this uniquely designed structure is American architect Louis Kahn. It is considered today as one of the most distinctively-looking building in Bangladesh.

Shahid Minar – one of the many mausoleums and monuments in Dhaka. This monument was built to commemorate the people who were killed during the Language Movement demonstrations in 1952, where in dozens of students and activists died. The monument had been a high subject for attraction in Dhaka. Its colorful gardens had attracted many tourists and travelers both local and abroad.

These are just few of the many interesting sites and destinations in Dhaka. There are other several places such as museums, numerous mosques, and monuments which are frequently visited in Dhaka. All are open for the public so visitors are always welcome to come and see the wonders of Dhaka.

Ceremonies before the wedding:
During the Mehendi Shondha, the bridal party applies henna on each other, including the bride. This is done for the groom’s family, when in the Gaye Holud; the groom’s family proceeds in a march to the home of the bride’s family. Just like Toronto weddings, the groom is not present in this procession. This convoy traditionally revolves around the bride’s younger friends and relatives, who are all wearing matching traditional outfits that are mostly orange. The henna applied to the bride is in intricate and abstract designs, upon her feet and hands. The bride sits on a dais, where all involved feed her with sweets, gradually. Following the events of Gaye Holud, the actual Bangladesh traditional weddings or Beeye, is held. The arrangement of this marriage ceremony is conducted by the family of the bride.

Traditional wedding feasts:
Feasts for the guests are essential features of Bangladesh traditional weddings. Just like Toronto weddings, guests bring with them gifts for the couple. Depending on the resources of the parents of the couple, guests may range from fifty to five thousand, with wedding menus featuring sweets such as payesh and zarda, salads, spiced yoghurt’s burhani, biryani made of chicken and mutton, mutton rezala, roast chicken, and beef kebab. The Hindu ceremonies consist of menus including sweetened yoghurt, uncastrated goat meat’s curry, fish curry, vegetable dishes, and plain rice. In some areas such as Chittagong, these feasts can last for days. Unlike Toronto ceremonies, bride price, or dowry is payable in both Muslim and Hindu communities, and a dearth of good brides and grooms determine which family should pay dowry and which side should receive it, and how much it should be.

Most cultural dances of Bangladesh are performed in singles or more commonly in groups. These dances are often accompanied be singing. There are some dances wherein the dancers sing and dance at the same time, depending on the occasions. There are many cultural dances in Bangladesh, and each occasion has requires a specific dances. Here are some of the cultural dances of Bangladesh:

Chhau dance – which is a form of masked dance performed in the western regions of Bengal. It is a martial arts dance wherein the dancers wear attires together with swords and shields. Each dancers portray different characteristics and roles such as gods, demons and animals. It is more like a dance role playing. Chhau dance can be performed during any occasions.

Chhokra dance – performed by young Bangladeshi boys portraying the roles of women. The dance is presented in an open field preferably in a canopied stage. The Chhoka dance is accompanied by a large team of singers and musicians who are commonly seated on the sides of the stage.

Lathi dance – is a stick dance performed during the Muharram celebration which is the “Sacred month” of the Islam. This is celebrated during the fist month of the Hegira or the Islamic calendar. This dance is performed by youth groups that wear tight-fitted clothes and carry daggers, swords and cymbals.

Kali dance – performed by a dancer wearing a black mask and representing the character of the goddess Kali who is a Hindu goddess which is said to be associated with eternal powers. Kali is known to be the goddess of time and change. The drum is the main instrument being played during the Kali dance.

Ghatu dance – performed with accompanying Ghatu songs which are Bangladesh native folk songs. The name Ghatu was derived if the name Ghat which means ”river bank”. The Ghatu dance was mainly for entertainment and is not a religious dance. This is a form of dance performed by young boys dressed like girls which are the main attraction of the dance.

There are other numerous cultural dances in Bangladesh. These dances each are very entertaining and fun to watch. Dances are still being performed these days, which is one of the main attractions in Bangladesh.

Suffice it to say that the movement of 21st February was a call for restoration of democracy for which the non-co-operation movements with the then rulers have been promulgated day by day to achieve independence as an ultimate target. Due to the fact, it was not only their sole desire to make Urdu as a state language but also there were many reasons behind it which may be reflected as Political and educational aggression, to pollute Socio-economic condition, to pollute cultural and traditional affairs, to occupy monopolies over trade and commerce, to handicap people under obligation towards submission, to surpass the people under tyrannous depletion etc and hence in regard to economical aspects in common life, the goods which were produced by our painstaking people from our land and factories were taken to the West Pakistan and priced cheaply in that land but it was costly to us to consume. From such agitation, our movement for independence had been picked up the pace day by day.

From such point, it is clear that after the emergence of Bangladesh such profile of economy either Micro or Macro has been achieved due to active intervention of our people in different sectors of development. This identity whatever we posses were not possible if 21st February was not created to retaliate the tyrannical boom of the then rulers of Pakistan. And as such, in this day some young persons of our country have declared indomitable movement to create confrontation against the conspiracy of our mother tongue. They have intensified the movement by degrees and being polemical, the then rulers have invaded them and ultimately they had shot them dead.

Bangladeshis regard democracy as an important legacy of their bloody war for independence and vote in large numbers. Bangladesh introduced the caretaker system in 1991 after military president Hossain Mohammad Ershad was toppled through a people’s uprising led jointly by Khaleda and Sheikh Hasina, who now heads the main opposition party, the Awami League.

Bangladesh is a developing country with poor infrastructure. Bangladesh is ranked 27th out of 30 countries in the Asia Pacific region. Bangladesh has ratified all the main international human rights treaties. After its independence, Bangladesh became a parliamentary democracy, with Mujib as the Prime Minister. Meanwhile the Bangladesh Military has expressed their interest in controlling the country with statements like “own brand of Democracy” and making changes in the constitution to allow military participation in politics.

Straddling in the Tropic of Cancer, Bangladeshi climate is tropical with a mild winter from October to March, a hot, humid summer from March to June. The region has been a source for ethnic tension since the inception of Bangladesh. The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, which Bangladesh shares with the Indian state of West Bengal. Due to a number of factors, Bangladesh’s labor-intensive agriculture has achieved steady increases in food grain production despite the often unfavorable weather conditions. Currently, Bangladeshi entrepreneurs generally suffer from lack of funding as many banks are reluctant to invest in industry and have instead turned their attention to consumer credit.

In addition, the Consulate Generals complement the efforts of the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington DC to advance the economic, cultural, immigration and other interests of Bangladesh in the United States. The first government of the new nation of Bangladesh was formed in Dhaka with Justice Abu Sayeed Choudhury as President, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (“Mujib”)–who was released from Pakistani prison in early 1972–as Prime Minister.

1.) Catch a glimpse of the Tigers

Tigers, specifically the Royal Bengal Tigers, are magnificent creatures, with their proud and noble bearings and beautifully patterned coats. Watching these tigers gives us a sense of excitement and danger all rolled into one. It’s too bad that they’re endangered, but still, in Bangladesh, you can see these beautiful creatures by visiting the Sundarbans National Park.

2.) Fun in the Sun and Sand

If you’re looking for beautiful blue beaches to sunbathe, to swim, or to simply walk around in, then you must go to Bangladesh’s Kuakata. Kuakata is a beach resort that has been recently developed. It is located in the southern part of Bangladesh, but the sea isn’t the only thing this place offers though, because in Kuakata, you can also observe the culture of the Rakhane Tribe.

3.) World’s Longest and Broadest Beach

If any old beach just doesn’t cut it, why don’t you try going to Inani beach found in the South of Bangladesh. It is the world’s longest and broadest beach and is found in Cox’s Bazar. Inani Beach, however, is not as developed as the other beaches such as Patenga, so if you want all the tourist perks, then it’s probably best if you just go to Patenga

4.) Boating through Bangladesh

If you’re in the mood for boating through the rivers and observing the lush jungles in Bangladesh, then you could try going the Sunderbands National Park. This is a park with several beautiful areas which can only be accessed by using a row boat. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see some of its beautiful wildlife.

5.) Try some Fresh Water

If you’re tired of the salty waters of Bangladesh’s beaches, why don’t you try going to the Rangamati Hill district where the Kapati Lake is located? There, you can indulge in several activities such as swimming, sailing, and fishing. The Kapati Lake is an ideal destination for anyone who likes peaceful outings rather than busy and noisy ones.

6.) Cleanse your Soul with Some Tea

People who don’t like the strong taste of coffee usually prefer the much smoother and cleaner taste of tea. So, if you’re a tea fan, you certainly can’t miss going to Sylhet, located just North of Dhaka. Sylhet is known for its tea-growing traditions, and Srimongol, a place in Sylhet, is the center of the tea gardens in Sylhet.

7.) Games up!

If you want to satiate your sporty side and get away from nature a bit, why not head on to the City Stadium? There, you can enjoy a game of hockey, football, and cricket. You might even get a chance to play with the locals in the playgrounds if you so choose.

8.) Go Bird Watching

If you want to see a sample of Bangladesh’s exotic wildlife, why not go to Rajendrapur National Park, located just 31 miles north of the capital city. Bring your binoculars with you, maybe even your camera and take a few snapshots of the beautifully colored birds residing in the area.

9) Take a walk in the Zoo

Unfortunately, being constantly on the move to look for various animals can be slightly tiring. And there’s always the chance that you’ll get disappointed at the end of the day because of the poor turnout. If you don’t like taking this risk, why not just go to the National Zoo located at Mirpur near the River Turag?

10) The City of Mosques

If you’re going to Bangladesh, you absolutely can’t miss going to Dakha, the city of Mosques. The wonderful architecture and designs are to die for. Visit Baitul Mukkaram Mosque, the Star Mosque, and the Chawkbazar Mosque, and you’ll be sure to gape in awe at the magnificent designs.