Impressies Bangladesh

Devastating Floodwaters
Annual monsoon rains inundate the alluvial plains of Bangladesh from May to October, causing flooding and loss of life, particularly in the heavily populated areas along the Bay of Bengal. Ironically, the disastrous floods and equally damaging tropical cyclones replenish soil nutrients and form fertile islands, which are essential to this agriculture-dependent nation. The human toll, however, can be devastating

Nation of Rivers
The rivers of Bangladesh provide a major transport network between the nation’s coast and its interior. Even during the treacherous monsoon season, small boats navigate the thousands of kilometres of swollen rivers to reach areas that are inaccessible by road. Fishing is a major industry, and herring, prawns, and freshwater fish are staples of the Bangladeshi diet.

Vehicles of Dhaka
Bicycle rickshaws transport passengers through the streets of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. These lightweight rickshaws are ideal vehicles for manoeuvring on unpaved village roads and busy city streets. Two types of small motorized vehicles, called the auto and the tempo, are equally popular forms of transport here.

The Sharee, a Traditional Dress
A sharee, the traditional dress in Bangladesh, is made from a single piece of cloth, carefully gathered and wound around the body, and draped over one shoulder. The wearer can pull the loose end of the garment over her head to cover her hair. Made of brightly coloured, lightweight fabric and often embroidered or printed, the sharee is worn over a blouse or tee shirt. Variations of the sharee worn by both men and women are illustrated in artwork dating from as early as the 2nd century BC.

Rural House in Bangladesh
This house in the Tangail district of Bangladesh is a typical bangla, Hindu for "living quarters" and the source of the English word bungalow. Most rural houses in Bangladesh are built of bamboo and have thatched roofs. Few of these one- or two-room homes have electricity or running water.