The Cuisines of West Bengal, India

The Cuisines of West Bengal are centered on fish, lentil and rice, but there are a wide variety of side dishes which adds richness to the Bengali cuisine. The people of West Bengal also eat a wide variety of vegetables as they are grown in plenty in the favourable climate and fertile soils of the state.

Fish, and especially fresh water fishes are cooked in diverse styles in West Bengal by steaming, frying, boiling, and stewing with vegetables and spices. Rohu, katla, bhetki and hilsa are the most popularly consumed fishes in West Bengal. Prawns and crabs are also favourites among the people of West Bengal. Prawn curry with coconut milk is a wonderful delicacy.

Normally, a typical Bengali lunch begins with a vegetable curry named shukto, which is followed by lentil and deep-fried potatoes and brinjals. Then the main course comes, which is normally a non-vegetarian dish. Though Bengalis take mutton and chicken, but they are particularly fond of fish dishes. The oil used predominantly in West Bengal cuisines is the mustard oil, which goes well with fish. The five main spices which are used in the Bengali cuisines are aniseed, fenugreek seed, black cumin seed, cumin seed and mustard. The concoction of the five spices is known as Panchphoran. Mangoes in the raw form are also used in large quantities in making sweet pickles, which sometimes accompany the main meal.

Desserts hold a special place in the Bengali cuisine. Many Bengali sweetmeats are enjoyed all over the country. Shôndesh, rôshogolla, pantua, chômchôm, malpoa and pithe are some of the famous sweet delicacies of the state.

Bengali food has been influenced by a large number of cultures, both South Asian and continental. A thing to note about the Bengali cuisine is the minimum usage of garlic and onion in the diet, as against the abundance of both ingredients in many of the food dishes in the rest of the Indian subcontinent.

Among the continental cuisines, chops and cutlets are very much popular in Kolkata, and are an integral part of the city's coffee house culture. Chinese food is also very much popular in Kolkata.

"Sheikh Hasina"

Hon'ble Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, assumed the office on 12 January 2014 for the third time after her party Awami League-led grand alliance won the January 5 Parliamentary elections.

She assumed the office of the Prime Minister for the first time on 23 June 1996 when her party Bangladesh Awami League emerged as the majority party in the Parliamentary elections held on 12 June 1996.

Bangladesh Awami League was defeated in the 2001 elections through state mechanism perpetrated by the then caretaker government and Sheikh Hasina again became the leader of the opposition. After two years’ of military-backed caretaker government’s rule, the 9th Parliamentary election was held in December 2008. Her party earned absolute majority in the widely acclaimed free and fair election and Sheikh Hasina assumed the office of the Prime Minister for the second time on 6 January 2009.

Earlier, in the parliamentary election held in 1986, Sheikh Hasina won from three seats. She was elected Leader of the Opposition. She led the historic mass movement in 1990 and announced the constitutional formula for peaceful transfer of power through Articles 51 and 56 of the Constitution.

Following the election of 1991, Sheikh Hasina became Leader of the Opposition in the country's Fifth Parliament. She steered all the political parties in the parliament towards changing the Presidential system of government into the Parliamentary one.

Sheikh Hasina is a staunch crusader against fundamentalism, militancy and terrorism. Assuming the office on 6 January in 2009, her government enacted laws to constitute International Crimes Tribunal to try those who committed crimes against humanity during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.

The fundamentalist forces led by BNP-Jamaat vehemently opposed the trial and smeared an unholy campaign at home and abroad to foil the people’s mandated move to bring the war criminals into book. Braving all odds, the government of Sheikh Hasina has been going ahead with the trial.

Failing to foil the trial, the BNP-Jamaat resorted to widespread violence throughout 2013 killing innocent people and law enforcers, and carrying out vandalism and arson. They also tried to thwart the 10th Parliamentary election by carrying out violence, killing innocent people, and vandalism and torching numerous vehicles and establishments. But the government of Sheikh Hasina frustrated all destructive activities and conspiracies of the opposition. The 10thparliamentary election was held and her party-led grand alliance earned a landslide victory in the election.

Sheikh Hasina, the eldest of five children of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was born on 28 September, 1947 at Tungipara in Gopalganj district.

Sheikh Hasina graduated from the University of Dhaka in 1973. She has a checkered political career. She was elected Vice President of the Students Union of Government Intermediate Girl's College. She was a member of the Students League Unit of Dhaka University and Secretary of the Students League Unit of Rokeya Hall. She actively participated in all the mass movements since her student life.

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with the members of his family was martyred on the fateful night of 15 August 1975. Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana were the only survivors as they were in West Germany at that time. Later, she went to the United Kingdom from where she started her movement against the autocratic rule in 1980. Sheikh Hasina was unanimously elected President of Bangladesh Awami League in 1981 in her absence while she was forced to live in exile in New Delhi. Ending six years in exile, she returned home finally on 17 May 1981.

In the 1996-2001 term, Sheikh Hasina’s government achieved laudable successes in many fields, the most significant being the 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with India; the Peace Accord on Chittagong Hill Tracts; the Bangabandhu Bridge; and food security. She also introduced beneficial programs for farmers, and social safety nets for the distressed, landless and deprived. These included allowances for distressed women, widows, the disabled and freedom fighters; Shanti Nibas for elders; Ashrayan for the homeless and “One house-One farm” scheme.

In the 2009–13 term, Sheikh Hasina’s government’s achievements included power production capacity reaching 11000 MW; GDP growth over 6 %; 5 crore people raised to middle class; ICT services centres in all union parisads; forex reserve over US$ 20 billion; distribution of agri-cards and scope to open bank accounts with Tk 10 only for farmers, poverty level reduced to 26 percent in 2013 from 31.5 in 2010 and adoption of her Peace Model by an UN resolution.

Sheikh Hasina was conferred honorary doctorates by Boston University, Bridgeport University, Barry University in the USA; Waseda University in Japan; University of Abertay in Scotland; Vishwa-Bharati University and Tripura University in India; Australian National University; Catholic University of Brussels; People’s Friendship University and State University of Petersburg in Russia; Dhaka University and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agriculture University. The University of Dauphine in France conferred on her Diploma for her outstanding contribution to strengthening democratic process and empowerment of women.

Sheikh Hasina was also honoured with awards for her outstanding contributions to social work, peace and stability. These include UNESCO’s Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize 1998; Pearl S Buck Award 1999; CERES Medal by FAO; Mother Teresa Award; MK Gandhi Award; Paul Harris Fellow; Indira Gandhi Peace Award 2009; Indira Gandhi Gold Plaque in Kolkata; Paul Haris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, Medal of Distinction in 1996-97 and 1998-99 and Head of State Medal in 1996-97 by the International Association of Lions Clubs, Global Diversity Award in the UK; and two South-South Awards.

She has authored several books including "Why are they Street Children", "The Origin of Autocracy", 'Miles to go "Elimination of Poverty and Some Thoughts", "People and Democracy", "My Dream My Struggle" and "Development for the Masses."

Sheikh Hasina is the Chairperson of ‘The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust.’ She believes in democracy, secularism, inclusive growth and progress and dedicated to eliminating poverty and barriers that marginalize people. Her interest is in technology, cuisine, music and reading.

Her husband, an internationally reputed nuclear scientist, Dr M Wazed Mia died on 9 May 2009.

Sheikh Hasina’s only son Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed is an ICT expert. Her only daughter Saima Hossain Wazed is a psychologist and has been working for the betterment of autistic children. She has five grandchildren.

"BANGLADESH ARMY - A BRIEF HISTORY"

The people of this land have made innumerable sacrifices over generations in an endless pursuit of freedom. For them, independence has been an article of faith, deeply ingrained in their national psyche. During the long stretches of colonial domination, the Bengalees kept up their struggle for independence.

The colonial rulers always viewed the Bengalees with suspicion and aversion. They could never accept Bengalee youths within their military establishments. But from time to time a few would be recruited mostly in the lower ranks.Bengalee members of the Indian Armed Forces under the British rule demonstrated a rare brand of heroism and bravery during the First andSecond World Wars.

After the partition of India in 1947, the Pakistani authorities began to show a similar antagonism and attitude towards the Bengalee community, which made it extremely difficult to develop and sustain a military heritage. But this inexplicable hostility and cynicism of the Pakistanis did not stand in the way of legendary performances by the valiant and courageous Bengalees. Even with a token presence in the Pakistan Army, the Bengalee soldiers created history by their exemplary courage and valour in the Indo‑Pak War of 1965.

The year 1971 saw the Bengalees in their finest glory. Although count­less number of people embraced martyrdom to liberate their Country, the year also saw unimaginable acts of bravery and courage, as well as meticulous military planning. The stigma of 'a martially inferior race' that was so unfairly and revengefully attached to the Bengalees by the Pakistanis finally disappeared in a blaze of glory.

Bengalees proved that although they were peace‑loving people, they could also rise to defend themselves whenever there was an attack on them and take the fight to the enemy's territory. After independence, a new journey began with small but sure steps to rebuild the military institutions and a defence structure. It was a gigantic task and a huge challenge to the competency of our planners.

In the absence of a strong foundation and background, a painstaking process to rebuild the total infrastructure was initiated.The legacy that we inherited was one of bankruptcy. Not a single Armour, Engineers, Signals, Ordnance, Supply and Transport of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering unit was in existence when the country emerged as a free nation. There was no military institution other than the East Bengal Regimental Centre where only the infantry soldiers could be trained.

Bangladesh Army has come a long way since then. Its transformation from a nondescript entity to a credible defence apparatus has not been without its share of vicissitudes and trying times. As an institution, the Army today is self‑contained, with tremendous potentials to sustain growth, expansion and modernisation in their totality. Every corps can proudly claim to have an institution of their own where men and officers alike are trained in their respective trade. Looking back, one can take pride from the fact that it was worth all the effort and sacrifice.

On the15th February 1948, the most glorious chapter of our military history was initiated. On this day, the East Bengal Regiment was raised at Kurmitoia, Dhaka under the prudent leadership of late Major Abdul Ghani. This auspicious occasion provided an identity that would sustain through all crises and generate pride in millions of hearts for years to come. Two pioneer companies of Bengali Muslims had earned wide acclaim for their bravery during the World War-II both in British India and abroad. Subsequently, these two companies laid the foundation of the East Bengal Regiment. This historic regiment is now one of the vital organs of Bangladesh Army.

The glorious chapter of this regiment may be attributed to two major events of military history of this subcontinent. In a rare feat of battle showmanship, the fearless'tigers'of the regiment as they are popularly called, inflicted unprecedented damage and casualties on the Indian side in the Indo‑Pak War of 1965. In recognition of their sacrifices, the 1 East Bengal Regiment was awarded the highest number of gallantry awards. The performance was only to be repeated six years later. During the War of Liberation in 1971, the same unit bagged the highest number of gallantry awards for their outstanding feat. As a whole, the regiment excelled itself with 2 out of 7 'Bir Srestho Padak' the highest military award of Bangladesh. A total of 317 awards of different merits were also awarded to various members of the regiment. Another milestone was added when a total of 24 infantry units was conferred with the National Standard for their exemplary role in defending sovereignty and providing selfless service to the nation.

Bengalee officers and soldiers were an enviable asset to the Armoured Corps of Pakistan for their skill and efficiency. During the war of independence in 1971, 2 officers, 6 Junior Commissioned Officers and 48 soldiers of the Armoured Corps embraced martyrdom. After independence, in 1972 the 1st Bengal Lancer was raised with the freedom fighters and Bengalee soldiers of 29 Cavalry of the then Pakistan Army at Dhaka Cantonment. This is the first tank regiment of Bangladesh Army. The requirement of a modern armoured corps necessitated the creation of few more tank regiments thus converting the armoured corps into a highly competent and credible combat force that it is today.

The nucleus of Bangladesh Artillery Corps took shape during the War of Liberation and began its journey on 22 July of that year. This force comprised of freedom loving youths, Bengalee officers and jawans of the then Pakistan Army. The Artillery batteries continuously provided support to the freedom fighters throughout the Liberation War. The first Artillery unit, called the 'Mujib Battery', played a praiseworthy role during the Liberation War. The undaunted and steadfast morale of its personnel provided the ultimate impetus to victory. In recognition of their bravery, patriotism and ultimate sacrifice, some 16 members of the corps were given gallantry awards of different merits. In all, 121 members of this corps embraced martyrdom. The corps began its operation with six cannons and one field battery during the freedom struggle. Today, it is a force to reckon with consisting of a number of units. The Regimental Centre and School of the corps received the National Standard on the 18th of November 1982 as a symbol of trust placed upon it in defending our independence and sovereignty.

The history of the Corps of Engineers of Bangladesh Army dates back to the Bengal Sappers and Pioneers of British Imperial Army from where it originated. The highest gallantry award 'Bir Sreshtho' was posthumously awarded to Captain Mohiuddin Jahnagir of this Corps. During the War of Liberation in 1971, some 5 officers and 82 other ranks embraced martyrdom for their country. After the War of Liberation, the corps was reorganised and later expanded. Engineers have been playing a vital role for the last decade in all spheres of national activities and in times of national emergencies like natural calamities and disasters of great magnitude.

During the time of reorganisation of the Bangladesh forces in 1971 , the Supreme Commander felt the necessity of restructuring the signal units to suit the need of time. This resulted in the formation of sector‑wise Brigade Signal Companies. Initially three such companies were constituted with signallers from Army, Navy, Air force and the then East Pakistan Rifles (presently Bangladesh Rifles). The newly born brigade signal companies were attached to the No 1, 2 and 8 sectors with battalion headquarters at Mujibnagar. From the time of independence, the Signal Corps has achieved a commendable standard for its significant role in all spheres of military and national affairs. The Signal Corps today has been able to provide assured communication to the army through professional competency and with support of quality standard equipment.

Army Service Corps had only a few Bengalee officers and troops at the time of the Liberation War. Their participation even with such small strength in the freedom struggle is remarkable. The Army Service Corps came into being on 11 March 1972. Initially it started off with a small number of officers, junior commissioned officers and other ranks. However, selfless service of all ranks enabled the corps to achieve a very high standard of performance and recognition from all corners within a very short span of time. The corps has been organised and expanded to meet the growing demands of the army.

A good number of Bengalee officers and troops of the Pakistan Army medical Corps actively participated in the Liberation War. Some 14 officers and 114 troops embraced martyrdom and enriched the History of Medical Corps with glory. The Directorate of Medical Services came into existence during the Liberation War at Mujibnagar. In 1973, the newly organised corps started expanding with 224 officers and 1484 other ranks. Slowly and gradually, a good number of small and big medical institutions including field medical units were raised. After it was reorganised in 1973, the Armed forces Institutes of Pathology and Transfusion started its work with full dedication. For its unique and exceptional performance in medical science, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and Transfusion was awarded the prestigious civil award Shadhinata Padak (Independence Medal) in 1987.

Despite limited scope, members of the Ordnance Corps went beyond the call of duty to augment the strength of frontline forces and fought heroically side by side with other corps members. Some 36 soldiers embraced martyrdom in the Liberation struggle. The ordinance Corps was made responsible for collecting all sporadic equipment and vehicles from different parts of the country to make the best use of their services. The Ordnance Depots started functioning at Chittagong, Comilla, Syllnet, Rangpur, Saidpur and Jessore from March 1972. Later on, the corps was reorganised and subsequently expanded to suit the need of the time.

During the War of Independence, 1400 members of the erstwhile Pakistan Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering were stationed in Bangladesh. These men fought gallantly side by side with members of other fighting arms in the war. Within the limited constraints of equipment and technical backup, these men made best use of their skill and technical knowledge in keeping all armament and weapon battle worthy. After liberation, 4 infantry workshops were raised in April 1972. The corps was further reorganised and expanded subsequently.

After independence, a number of ex‑Military Police personnel took the initiative to organise a Military Police unit in the newly born Bangladesh. The ex‑Military Police persons from various places of Bangladesh were collected together at the Dhaka Transit Camp from where a Military Police unit was raised. Later on, the Corps of Military Police was organised and expanded. The Corps presently has a school of its own to train both men and officers in this specialised profession.

During the War of Liberation, members of the Education Corps fought valiantly for the country and a number of them embraced martyrdom. After the War, the Education Directorate was organised at the Army Headquarters. Bangladesh Army Education Corps is entrusted with the responsibility of officers' academic training, troops' education training and formulation of troops' information and motivation programmes at various levels.

The biggest achievement in the reorganisation of the Army can well be attributed to the establishment of the Bangladesh Military Academy at Bhatiary, Chittagong. The training and grant of commission to cadets underline the very essence and importance of a developing army like ours where officers are trend setters. The arduous task of building up this edifice began in 1974 when a makeshift Academy was set up at Comilla Cantonment. Two years later, it was shifted to its present location at Bhatiary. The journey since then has been a painstaking but immensely successful one. The effort has been especially rewarding in the sense that Bangladesh Military Academy matches the standard of any contemporary institution anywhere in the world. Cadets from foreign countries today are also availing facilities of the Academy for their pre‑commission training. The Academy is also imparting training to Bangladesh Air Force and Naval Cadets. It is also providing basic military training to the members of Bangladesh Civil and Police administrations.

The School of Infantry and Tactics is one of the prime training institutions of our army and has been entrusted to conduct as many as twelve different courses on tactics, weapon and special military operations in a year. The school was established on 19 March 1973 at Jessore Cantonment as The School of Infantry. In 1979, it was shifted to its present location at Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet. In 1982, the Special Warfare School was merged with the School of Infantry and Tactics to constitute a separate wing, and in January 1988, the Research and Development Wing was also organised. All officers of various arms and services attend all arms courses in the School. The School of Infantry and Tactics also runs special to arms courses for the infantry. Besides the Army, students from Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Rifles, Police, Ansars and officers from abroad also attend various courses run by the School.

The Defence Services Command and Staff College is a joint services training institution with separate wings for the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Staff College is located at Mirpur, Dhaka and was formally opened on 30 December 1977. A British Military Advisory Team (BMAT) initially assisted in the preparation and conduct of four short courses of six months duration exclusively for Bangladeshi officers. From the start of the 5th Army Staff course on 31 March 1980, the duration of course was extended to nine and a half months and the college was opened to foreign students. Later, separate Naval and Air Wings were established to cater to the special needs of the Navy and Air Force. From 1983 onwards, the duration of the course was extended to ten months. In addition, a science package of six weeks duration has been introduced for Bangladeshi Army Wing students prior to their attending the Staff College. Officers from various countries also attend this course. Till the end of 1999, 362 overseas students from as many as 28 countries have graduated from this institution.

As we enter the new millennium, many new challenges are coming up. To meet these challenges, Bangladesh Army is going through the process of modernisation in all respects. Besides organizational restructuring, training and logistic framework are also being developed, consistent with the need to create the capability required of a modern army. In order to meet the growing need of our officers and men, some premier academic institutions have already been established, such as: National Defence College, Armed Forces War College, Military Institute of Science and Technology, Armed Forces Medical College and Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training. These institutions provide higher direction in the fields of defence management and technology. Side by side, a contingency plan has been undertaken to improve infrastructure development to support logistic problems. The recent construction of barracks for troops and high rise buildings for officers and other ranks has solved long outstanding problem in this respect.

The Bangladesh National Defence College (NDC) was formed following a decision of the Governing Body of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) on 7 December 1996. The NDC is a tri‑service organisation modelled both on the Royal College Defence Studies and other national defence colleges the region. The NDC offers a blend of academic study and debate within a relaxed and informal atmosphere will give the members the freedom to broaden the minds and develop their strategic vision as they purse individual studies and participate in the intellectual rigour of the course. Selected senior officers from the Armed Forces and Civil Services attend the courtesy so that it can prepare them for future assignments in the planning of national strategy. The first course commenced on 10 January 1999 and twenty officers successfully completed the course.

The Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) was inaugurated on 19 April 1998 at Mirpur, the place that has already become the centre for learning for the armed forces officers from Bangladesh and abroad. The role of MIST is to provide technical training to officers of technical branches and other arm and services of the armed forces. Besides, this institute also offer technical training facilities to the civilian student community of the country. MIST conducts courses of Bachelor of Science in Engineering an Masters of Business Administration, besides Computer and other courses.

Bangladesh Army recently took an epoch-making decision to induct women in officers’ corps. The recruiting process has already begun in a two-year training programme at Bangladesh Military Academy from January 2001.

At the beginning of a new millennium, Bangladesh Army marches ahead in full glory with the expectations of more promising future.

"Bangladesh : Health  & Sports"

Health 

During the nineties, considerable progress has been achieved in Bangladesh in the fields of Health and Family Welfare. The Immunization Program, which has been acclaimed worldwide, now covers 70% of children compared to 55% in 1990-91. Primary Health-care facilities have been expanded throughout the country. Infant and maternal mortality rates have come down dramatically. Contraceptive Prevalence Rate has increased to around 50 percent, as a result of which population growth rate is now below 2 percent. 

The Government is actively involved in providing primary health care facilities though Union and Thana Health Complexes, secondary health care facilities through District level hospitals, and tertiary health-care facilities through Medical College Hospitals, Post-graduate Institutes and specialized hospitals at divisional and national levels. 

Apart from Government initiatives, a good number of NGOs and private organizations are playing an important role in the health sector. Clinic facilities, health care services on immunization, MCH-FP, Nutrition, Health-education, provision of safe drinking water, sanitation, control of epidemics and endemic diseases, supply of essential drugs, ect. Are some of the fields in which they are working. 

Sports

The people of Bangladesh are sports-loving people. The government has also attached due importance to development of games and sports. Football, Cricket. Hockey. Swimming and Rowing, Kahaddi. Volleyball, Badminton, Basketball, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis and Chess are popular games in the country. 

The strategies and programs pursued by the present government for development of sports include : Development of selected indigenous less costly games and sports for wider mass participation specially in rural areas; Encouraging female participation at all levels of games and sports; Consolidation and better utilization of existing sports facilities; Strengthening the existing College of Physical Education and establishment of additional colleges; Construction of more women's sports complexes, Regular training sessions and workshops on sports; Holding of national zonal and regional sports competition.

Intensive training programs for sports talents; Provision of sufficient numbers of playgrounds, indoor stadiums and other sports facilities in each district and thana: Distribution of sports gears to facilitate sports activities in the country. 

A National Sports Policy has been announced by the government recently. The government has also taken up plans to develop playing fields in all the unions of the Country. There are clear signs of resurgence from past Stagnation in the sporting arena. Bangladesh for the first time became champions in 1997 ICC trophy cricket championship, thereby hooking a place for 1999 World Cup Cricket finals.

"Government of Bangladesh [Quick Look]"

Country Name:
conventional long form: People's Republic of Bangladesh.
conventional short form: Bangladesh.


Data code: BG.
Government type: Republic.
Capital: Dhaka.

Administrative divisions: 6 divisions; Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet & Barisal.

Independence: 26 March 1971 (from Pakistan).

National holiday: Independence Day - 26 March (1971), Victory Day - 16 December (1971), International Mother's Language Day - 21st February (1952), National Mourning Day - 15 August (1975), May Day - 01 May, Bengali New Year - 14 April and more.

Constitution: 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, amended many times.

Legal system: based on English common law.


Executive branch:
Chief of state: President;  note - the president's duties are normally ceremonial, but with the 13th amendment to the constitution ("Caretaker Government Amendment"), the president's role becomes significant at times when Parliament is dissolved and a caretaker government is installed - at presidential direction - to supervise the elections.

Head of government: Prime Minister.

Cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister and appointed by the president.

President Elections: President elected by National Parliament for a five-year term.

Legislative branch: Unicameral National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad; 300 seats elected by popular vote from single territorial constituencies (the constitutional amendment reserving 30 seats for women); members serve five-year terms.

Judicial branch: Supreme Court, the Chief Justices and other judges are appointed by the president.

Political parties: Awami League or AL; Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP; Jatiyo Party or JP; Jamaat-E-Islami or JI; Bangladesh Communist Party or BCP.

International organization participation: ADB, FAO, ICC, IDB, ILO, IMF, IMO, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNESCO, WHO and many more.

Flag description: green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; the red sun of freedom represents the blood shed to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the lush countryside.