Bangladesh Country Introduction and Recipes

Fun Facts

• In Bangladesh, the left hand is considered dirty, so you should only eat, drink, or shake hands with your right hand
• Gifts, however, are only given with both hands
• Gifts are given for holidays but should always be something small so that the gift can be reciprocated within a reasonable budget. It is rude to not comply by this rule
• The national animal of the country is the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger

Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh

• There are 400,000 bicycle rickshaws in Dhaka, which is more than any other city on earth
• Dhaka is the fastest growing megacity in the world
• It is best to visit Bangladesh during the months of October through March. April through August is monsoon season, so trips to Bangladesh in these months are best avoided

Culture of Bangladesh

• Older people in Bangladesh are revered and treated with much respect
• The majority of the country is Muslim-- about 90% of the population as of 2011
• 98% of people in Bangladesh speak Bengali

Dining Etiquette

• If you receive an invitation to a meal but do not want to attend, NEVER turn it down. Instead, work your way around it by saying “I will try my best to make it.” Blatantly turning down the offer is considered extremely rude
• At meals, most people eat with their hands out of communal plates. However, it is okay to request utensils
• Because of this, always wash hands before eating
• Meals are normally eaten in same sex groups, both in and out of the house
• The food is always passed out to guests first and then from oldest to youngest. It is impolite to begin eating before the oldest person

Flavors and Common Foods

• Most of the Bangladeshi diet is made up of rice and fresh water fish
• Sometimes meat is marinated in yogurt for a special taste
• Bananas, mangos, and jackfruits are the country’s favorite fruits. The mango tree is the national tree of Bangladesh!