Posted on 24 Feb 2011 by admin | Filled under: bangladesh
Bangladesh did not exist as a distinct geographic and ethnic unity
until independence. The region had been a part of successive Indian
empires, and during the British period it formed the eastern part of a
hinterland of Bengal, which was dominated by the British rulers and
Hindu professional, commercial, and landed elites. After the
establishment of Pakistan in 1947, present-day Bangladesh came under the
hegemony of the non-Bengali Muslim elites of the West Wing of Pakistan.
The establishment of Bangladesh, therefore, implied the formation of
both a new nation and a new social order.
Bangladesh is indeed a shoppers' paradise with a rich tradition in
handicrafts at throw away prices. While muslin of ancient Dhaka has gone
into history, other products such as contemporary paintings, wood
works, shital pati (mattress having cooling effect), bamboo decoration
pieces, cane and conch shell products, gold and silver ornament, cotton,
silk, gold,silver, jute, reed, brassware, traditional dolls and leather
goods also receive deep appreciation of the lovers of arts and crafts
now and over the past centuries. In addition,Bangladesh is famous for
pink pearl.
Pink Pearl : Pink pearls are the best buy in Dhaka. These natural products are unparallel in luster.
Gold & Silver : A wide range of gold and silver ornaments, silver filigree work etc. are considered by many travelers to be unparalleled.
Brass & Copperware :
Among the best buys here are brass and copperware trays, wall
decorations, vases etc. all are hand made with fine engravings and
filigree work. Products made from the hides and skins of animals and
reptiles, intricate wood carvings, cane and bamboo products, conch
shell, bangles, embroidered quilts, jamdani and silk fabrics can also be
bought. These are available in DIT market and a number of exclusive
shop in New Elephant Road,Dhaka.
Duty- free Shopping:
Duty free sales and display centers run by Bangladesh Parjatan
Corporation (NTO) are located in Dhaka,Zia International Airport,
Mohakhaii and Sylhet Airport.
These shops enjoy the reputation of
being well established with a wide range of goods at unbeatable prices.
Goods available include wines and spirits, perfumes, cigarettes,hi-fi
stereo and audio-visual equipment,Cameras, Watches and a range of
household appliances. All purchases must be paid for in foreign currency
Majority of British Bengalis regard Bangladesh as their "ancestral
home", although a survey showed strong feelings that they belonged to
British society. The cultural traditions practiced in Bangladesh, are
also widely practiced by the community. The languages of Sylheti and
Bengali are viewed as important features of cultural identity. parents
therefore encourage young people to attend standared Bengali classes to
learn the language,although many find this learning progress difficult
in the UK. English tends to be spoken among younger brothers and sisters
and peer groups, and Bengali/Sylheti with parents. Communities share
and favour a family-orientated community culture.
Bangladesh is a fish lover's paradise. Traditionally most of the
country lives off of the once-bountiful fresh-water river fish,
especially the officially designated "national fish" hilsa. The hilsa
is a flavourful but very boney (with many fine bones) fish; if you can
master eating this fish, consider yourself on par with the locals in
fish-eating and deboning expertise. Various recipes exist for cooking
hilsa, suitable for all seasons and all regions of the country. Mutton
is also popular, as in most Muslim countries, as is decidedly lean or
hard chicken. Rice is almost always the staple side dish.
Mixed vegetable curries are plentiful - potato, eggplant, squash and
tomatoes are the staple ingredients. Gourds, tubers and certain root
vegetables are common. In the major cities (Dhaka, Chittagong, etc.),
you will find a larger variety of vegetables than in rural areas.
Bangladeshi weddings are celebrated with a combination of Bengali and
Muslim traditions, and play a large part in developing and maintaining
social ties.Many marriages of Bangladeshis are between the British (Londonis)
and Bangladeshi-born; sometimes men will go to Bangladesh to get
married, however over the years more women are marrying in Bangladesh.
Marriages between relatives are common, and increase relationships
within extended families. Second or third generation Bangladeshis are
more likely to get married in the UK, within the British culture,
exposure to which has created a division between preferences for
arranged marriages or for love marriages. In accordance with traditional
practice the bride's family must buy the groom's family a whole new set
of furniture, which is housed in the family home, all original
furniture being either thrown out or given away. The average Bangladeshi
community will spend from 30-60,000 pounds for a single wedding within
the community, which includes the decorations, the venue, food, clothing
and limousines, all areas in which there is competition between
families.Forced marriages are rare, however the practice is largely
present in Bangladesh, the British high commission has been involved
with many cases concerning on British citizens.These include Nasrin
Begum, a 19-year old teenager who travelled from the UK to Bangladesh
with her mother in 2008,.she
contacted the British consular office in Sylhet to intervene, and was
rescued by embassy officials in the village. Another media highlight
includes a Bangladeshi-born National health service. doctor.Humarya
Adrin, she was deceived by her parents after asking her to arrive at
their home in Dhaka,a court ordered her parents to hand her over to the
British High Commission. The commission has been reported to have
handled 56 cases from April 2007 to March 2008.
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