BANGLADESH STUDIES OUTLINE ANSWER

1. Important events related to Language Movement.

The Language Movement was a political and cultural movement in former East Pakistan (now
Bangladesh) that advocated for the recognition of Bangla as one of the official languages of
Pakistan. It began in 1948 and reached its climax on 21 February 1952, when several people
were killed by the police in Dhaka during a protest. Some of the important events related to
the Language Movement are:

- On 6 December 1947, students of Dhaka University held a meeting and demanded that
Bangla be made one of the state languages of Pakistan.
- On 23 February 1948, Dhirendranath Datta, a member of the Constituent Assembly of
Pakistan, moved an amendment to include Bangla as one of the languages of the Assembly,
but it was rejected by the central leaders.
- On 11 March 1948, a general strike was observed in East Pakistan to protest against the
exclusion of Bangla from the official languages, coins, stamps and navy recruitment tests².
- On 21 March 1948, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Governor General of Pakistan, declared in
Dhaka that Urdu would be the only state language of Pakistan.
- On 27 November 1948, Khwaja Nazimuddin, the Chief Minister of East Bengal, reiterated
Jinnah's statement that Urdu would be the sole state language.
- On 31 January 1952, the Basic Principles Committee of Pakistan recommended that Urdu be
adopted as the only state language and medium of education.
- On 21 February 1952, students and activists defied a ban on public gatherings and marched
towards the provincial assembly in Dhaka to protest against the language policy. The police
opened fire on the demonstrators, killing several people, including Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin
Ahmed, Abul Barkat and Abdul Jabbar.
- On 23 February 1952, a memorial was erected at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital in
memory of the martyrs. It was demolished by the police the next day.
- On 26 February 1952, Maulana Bhashani and other political leaders called for a hartal (strike)
across East Pakistan. The strike was successful and peaceful.
- On 9 May 1954, Bangla was given the status of an official language of Pakistan along with
Urdu and English by a resolution of the Constituent Assembly.

These events are commemorated every year on 21 February as International Mother Language
Day. The Language Movement is considered to be a precursor to the Bengali nationalist
movement that led to the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.

2. Importance and significance of Six Point Movement.

The six point movement was a nationalist movement in then East Pakistan, spearheaded by
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which called for greater autonomy for East Pakistan. It is considered
a milestone on the road to the history of the independence of Bangladesh.
The importance and significance of the six point movement are:

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- It challenged the domination and exploitation of West Pakistan over East Pakistan in political,
economic and cultural spheres.
- It articulated the aspirations and grievances of the Bengali people who wanted more control
over their own affairs and resources.
- It mobilized the masses and created a strong sense of national identity and solidarity among
the Bengalis.
- It provoked a harsh reaction from the Pakistani authorities who tried to suppress the
movement by force, leading to widespread arrests, torture and killings of the activists²³.
- It paved the way for the emergence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the undisputed leader of
the Bengali nation and the Awami League as the dominant political party in East Pakistan¹².
- It laid the foundation for the 1970 general elections, in which the Awami League won a
landslide victory on the basis of the six point demand, and the subsequent declaration of
independence by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 26 March 1971.

3. Define constitution. Feature of the constitution of Bangladesh.

A constitution is a set of fundamental principles and laws that determine the powers and duties
of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in a nation, state, or organization.
It can be written or unwritten, and it usually reflects the values and ideals of the people who
are governed by it.

The constitution of Bangladesh is the supreme law of the country. It was adopted on 4
November 1972, after the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan. It proclaims
Bangladesh as a secular, democratic, and republic state, and lays down the framework of the
basic political, social, and economic institutions of the country.

Some of the features of the constitution of Bangladesh are:

- It declares the fundamental rights of the citizens, such as equality, freedom, justice, dignity,
and human rights.
- It establishes the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government, and defines
their powers and functions.
- It provides for a parliamentary system of government, with a prime minister as the head of
the executive and a president as the head of state.
- It enshrines the principles of nationalism, democracy, socialism, and secularism as the state
ideology.
- It recognizes Bangla as the state language and English as an official language.
- It affirms the sovereignty of the people and their right to participate in public affairs.

4. Power and function of President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

The president and the prime minister of Bangladesh are the two highest constitutional offices
in the country. They have different powers and functions as per the constitution of Bangladesh.

The president is the head of state and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He is
elected by the parliament for a five-year term, renewable once. He appoints the prime minister
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and other ministers on the advice of the prime minister. He also appoints the chief justice and
other judges of the supreme court, the chief election commissioner, and other constitutional
posts on the advice of the prime minister. He can grant pardons, reprieves, and respites to any
person convicted of any offence. He can also declare a state of emergency in consultation with
the prime minister. He can dissolve the parliament on the advice of the prime minister or if no
party has a majority in the parliament. He can also summon, prorogue, and adjourn the
parliament on the advice of the prime minister.

The prime minister is the head of government and the leader of the majority party or coalition
in the parliament. He is appointed by the president and holds office as long as he enjoys the
confidence of the parliament. He presides over the cabinet and coordinates its functions. He
advises the president on all matters relating to the administration of the government, including
appointments, legislation, policies, and foreign affairs. He is responsible for maintaining
public order and security in the country. He can also introduce bills and motions in the
parliament and participate in its debates.

5. Judiciary system of Bangladesh

The judiciary system of Bangladesh is based on the constitution and the common law system. It
consists of the Supreme Court and the lower courts. The Supreme Court is the apex court of the
country and has two divisions: the Appellate Division and the High Court Division. The Supreme
Court has the power to interpret and nullify laws made by the parliament and to enforce fundamental
rights of the citizens.

The Appellate Division hears both civil and criminal appeals from the High Court Division. It also
decides points of law reserved by the High Court Division or arising in the course of an appeal from
a subordinate court. The Appellate Division consists of the chief justice and six other judges appointed
by the president.

The High Court Division hears original and appellate cases of civil, criminal, constitutional,
administrative, and company matters. It also issues writs to protect fundamental rights and to ensure
legality of administrative actions. The High Court Division consists of the chief justice and other
judges appointed by the president.

The lower courts are subordinate to the Supreme Court and deal with civil and criminal cases at the
district and sub-district levels. The civil courts include the district judge's court, the additional district
judge's court, the joint district judge's court, the senior assistant judge's court, and the assistant judge's
court. The criminal courts include the sessions judge's court, the metropolitan sessions judge's court,
the additional sessions judge's court, the metropolitan magistrate's court, and the judicial magistrate's
court. There are also special courts and tribunals for specific matters such as family, labour, income
tax, customs, etc.

6. Economic activities of the people of Bangladesh

The economic activities of the people of Bangladesh are diverse and reflect the country's level of
development, resource endowment, and geographic location. Some of the major economic activities
of the people of Bangladesh are:

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- Agriculture: Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, employing about 40% of the labor force
and contributing about 13% of the GDP. Bangladesh is one of the world's leading producers of rice,
jute, vegetables, fruits, and fish. Agriculture also provides raw materials for some industries, such as
textiles, leather, sugar, and paper¹².
- Business and trade: Business and trade are important sources of income and employment for many
people in Bangladesh. The country has a large domestic market of about 170 million people, as well
as access to regional and global markets through various trade agreements. Bangladesh exports mainly
ready-made garments, knitwear, leather goods, pharmaceuticals, frozen food, jute products, and
ceramics. It imports mainly machinery, petroleum, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, food, and
consumer goods¹³.
- Service: The service sector is the largest and fastest-growing sector of the economy, accounting for
about 53% of the GDP and employing about 40% of the labor force. The service sector includes
various sub-sectors such as transport, communication, banking, insurance, education, health, tourism,
public administration, and social services. The service sector provides essential inputs and support for
other sectors of the economy¹³.
- Work in small and cottage industries: Many people in Bangladesh work in small and cottage
industries that produce various goods such as handicrafts, pottery, furniture, metalware, jewelry, toys,
etc. These industries are mostly labor-intensive and use local materials. They provide employment
and income for rural and urban poor people, especially women. They also contribute to the
preservation and promotion of the country's cultural heritage¹ .
- Fish cultivation and catching: Fish is a major source of protein and income for many people in
Bangladesh. The country has abundant natural resources for fish production such as rivers, lakes,
ponds, canals, floodplains, coastal waters, and the Bay of Bengal. Fish cultivation (aquaculture) is
practiced in both fresh and brackish water using various methods such as ponds, cages, pens, etc. Fish
catching (capture fisheries) is done by using various gears such as nets, traps, hooks, etc. Bangladesh
is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of fish and fish products.
- Driving vehicles: Driving vehicles is another economic activity that many people in Bangladesh
engage in. The country has a large network of roads and highways that connect different parts of the
country. Many people work as drivers of various types of vehicles such as buses, trucks, cars,
rickshaws, vans, motorcycles, etc. Driving vehicles provides transportation services for passengers
and goods within and across the country. It also generates income for the drivers and their families.
- Rearing animals and birds: Rearing animals and birds is an economic activity that many people in
Bangladesh practice as a part of their livelihood or as a supplementary source of income. The country
has a large population of livestock such as cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, pig, etc., as well as poultry
such as chicken, duck, turkey, etc. Rearing animals and birds provides meat, milk, eggs,
hides/skins/feathers/wool/hair/fur/bones/horns/hooves etc., for consumption or sale. It also provides
manure for fertilizing crops and biogas for cooking or lighting.

7. Feature of the capitalistic economic system.

A capitalistic economic system is one in which the means of production, such as land, labor, capital,
and entrepreneurship, are privately owned and operated for profit. The economic decisions of what to
produce, how to produce, and for whom to produce are determined by the market forces of supply
and demand, with minimal or no government intervention. Some of the features of a capitalistic
economic system are:
- Private property rights: Individuals and businesses have the right to own, use, and dispose of their
property as they wish, subject to certain legal restrictions. Private property rights provide incentives
for investment, innovation, and efficient use of resources¹².
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- Profit motive: Individuals and businesses seek to maximize their profits by producing goods and
services that satisfy consumer preferences and are willing to pay for. Profit motive drives economic
growth and allocates resources to the most productive uses¹².
- Competition: There are many buyers and sellers in the market who compete with each other for
customers and resources. Competition ensures that prices reflect the true costs and benefits of
production and consumption, and that quality and variety of goods and services are improved¹².
- Consumer sovereignty: Consumers are free to choose what to buy and how much to spend on goods
and services. Consumer sovereignty determines the allocation of resources in the economy based on
consumer preferences and purchasing power¹².
- Limited government: The role of government in a capitalistic economic system is limited to
providing public goods and services that the market cannot or will not provide efficiently, such as
national defense, law and order, education, health care, etc. The government also enforces contracts,
protects property rights, maintains competition, regulates markets, corrects market failures, and
redistributes income.

8. Feature of the socialistic economic system.

A socialistic economic system is one in which the means of production, such as land, labor, capital,
and entrepreneurship, are owned and controlled by the state or the community as a whole, rather than
by private individuals or businesses. The economic decisions of what to produce, how to produce,
and for whom to produce are determined by the government or by democratic planning, rather than
by market forces of supply and demand. Some of the features of a socialistic economic system are:

- Social or public ownership: The state or the community owns or regulates the major means of
production and distribution of goods and services. Social or public ownership aims to prevent the
concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few and to ensure that the benefits of production
are shared equitably among all members of society.
- Central planning or democratic decision-making: The government or the community plans and
coordinates the production and distribution of goods and services according to social needs and
priorities. Central planning or democratic decision-making aims to eliminate the inefficiencies and
inequalities of market capitalism and to promote rational and optimal use of resources.
- Social welfare and equality: The government or the community provides various public goods and
services, such as education, health care, housing, transportation, etc., to all citizens free of charge or
at subsidized prices. Social welfare and equality aims to improve the living standards and well-being
of all people and to reduce the gaps between the rich and the poor.
- Workers' participation and self-management: The workers have a say in the management and
operation of their workplaces and industries. Workers' participation and self-management aims to
enhance workers' autonomy, dignity, creativity, and productivity.
- Environmental sustainability: The government or the community takes measures to protect the
environment from pollution and degradation caused by industrialization and urbanization.
Environmental sustainability aims to preserve the natural resources and ecosystems for present and
future generations.

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9. Feature of the mixed economic system.

A mixed economic system is one in which the means of production are partly owned and controlled
by the private sector and partly by the public sector. The economic decisions of what to produce, how
to produce, and for whom to produce are determined by a combination of market forces and
government policies. Some of the features of a mixed economic system are:

- Coexistence of public and private sectors: The economy consists of both public enterprises, such as
state-owned or state-controlled industries, utilities, and services, and private enterprises, such as
corporations, partnerships, and cooperatives. The public sector provides essential goods and services
that the private sector may not be able or willing to provide, such as defense, education, health care,
infrastructure, etc. The private sector provides goods and services that are responsive to consumer
preferences and market incentives.
- Market regulation and intervention: The government regulates the market to ensure fair competition,
protect consumer rights, prevent monopoly and market failures, and promote social welfare. The
government also intervenes in the market to correct externalities, redistribute income, stabilize prices,
stimulate growth, and achieve other macroeconomic goals. The government may use various
instruments such as taxes, subsidies, tariffs, quotas, price controls, minimum wages, etc., to influence
the market outcomes.
- Mixed ownership and control: The government may own or control some of the means of production
partially or wholly through various forms such as nationalization, privatization, joint ventures, public-
private partnerships, etc. The government may also influence the private sector through various forms
such as shareholding, board representation, regulation, etc. The degree of ownership and control may
vary depending on the strategic importance or social value of the industry or enterprise.
- Social security and welfare: The government provides various social security and welfare programs
to protect the vulnerable groups of society from poverty, unemployment, illness, disability, old age,
etc. The government may also provide various public goods and services that enhance the quality of
life of the people, such as education, health care, culture, environment, etc. The government may
finance these programs through taxation or borrowing.
- Economic diversity and flexibility: The economy exhibits diversity and flexibility in terms of
economic agents, activities, institutions, policies, etc. The economy can adapt to changing
circumstances and opportunities by allowing different forms of economic organization and
coordination to coexist and interact. The economy can also balance the trade-offs between efficiency
and equity , growth and stability , innovation and tradition , etc.

10. Developed and Undeveloped Countries. Why Bangladesh is an undeveloped country?

Developed countries are those with a high level of economic development and a high standard of
living, while undeveloped countries are those with a low level of economic development and a lower
standard of living. However, the use of these terms has been criticized as simplistic and misleading.
Bangladesh is considered an undeveloped country due to several factors, including:

1. Poverty: Despite significant progress in reducing poverty in recent years, Bangladesh remains one
of the poorest countries in the world, with a high proportion of its population living below the poverty
line.
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2. Limited infrastructure: Bangladesh has limited infrastructure, including roads, bridges, ports, and
airports, which can hinder economic growth and development.

3. Low literacy rates: Bangladesh has a low literacy rate, with a significant proportion of its population
lacking basic education and skills.

4. Dependence on agriculture: Agriculture is a dominant sector in Bangladesh, but its productivity is

low, and the sector is vulnerable to natural disasters, such as floods and cyclones.

5. Limited industrialization: Bangladesh has limited industrialization, with a heavy reliance on the
garment sector, which has low wages and limited technological advancements.

6. Political instability: Political instability and corruption can also hinder economic growth and
development.

Overall, while Bangladesh has made progress in various areas, it still faces many challenges that
contribute to its status as an undeveloped country. The government and other stakeholders are working
towards addressing these challenges and improving the country's economic and social conditions.

11. How to solve the economic problem of Bangladesh?

The economic problem of Bangladesh is multifaceted and complex, and there is no simple
solution to it. However, here are some suggestions that could help alleviate some of the major
issues:

1. Improving infrastructure: Bangladesh needs to invest in its infrastructure, such as roads,

bridges, ports, and airports, to improve connectivity and boost economic growth. This would
attract more foreign investment and create more job opportunities for people.

2. Promoting export-oriented industries: Bangladesh has a strong garment industry, but it

needs to diversify and promote other export-oriented industries, such as leather goods,
pharmaceuticals, and ICT. This would create more revenue streams and reduce dependency
on a single industry.

3. Improving agricultural productivity: Agriculture is an important sector in Bangladesh, but

its productivity is low due to poor irrigation systems, lack of modern technology, and
inadequate access to credit. Improving these areas could increase agricultural output and
reduce poverty.

4. Encouraging entrepreneurship: Bangladesh needs to create an enabling environment for

entrepreneurship by simplifying regulations, providing access to finance, and enhancing skills
and knowledge of entrepreneurs. This would create more job opportunities and boost economic
growth.

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5. Improving education and skills: Bangladesh needs to improve the quality of education and
skills of its workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy. This would attract
more foreign investment and create a more competitive workforce.

6. Addressing income inequality and social welfare: Bangladesh needs to address income
inequality and provide social welfare programs to reduce poverty and improve the standard of
living for its citizens.

Overall, these are some of the suggestions that could help Bangladesh address its economic
problems. However, implementing these solutions requires strong political will, effective
governance, and the collaboration of stakeholders from different sectors.

12. Feature of Agriculture in Bangladesh?

Agriculture is a vital sector in the economy of Bangladesh, employing around 47% of the
workforce and contributing about 15% to the country's GDP. Here are some of the features of
agriculture in Bangladesh:
1. Dominance of small-scale farming: The majority of farmers in Bangladesh are small-scale
farmers who use traditional methods of farming. They cultivate crops like rice, jute, wheat,
maize, and vegetables mainly for subsistence and local markets.

2. Dependence on monsoon: Agriculture in Bangladesh is heavily dependent on the monsoon

season, which runs from June to October. The timing and amount of rainfall significantly
impact crop yields, and droughts or floods can cause crop failure.

3. High population density: Bangladesh has a high population density, which limits the
availability of arable land for farming. This has led to the intensification of agriculture, with
multiple cropping and the use of high-yielding varieties and fertilizers.

4. Vulnerability to climate change: Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to

climate change, with rising sea levels, increased salinity intrusion, and more frequent extreme
weather events. These factors can affect agriculture production, food security, and livelihoods.

5. Contribution to exports: Agriculture is a significant contributor to Bangladesh's export

earnings, with the country being a major exporter of jute, tea, and ready-made garments. The
sector also has the potential to increase exports of fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural
products.

Overall, agriculture plays a crucial role in Bangladesh's economy, and the sector faces both
opportunities and challenges. The government and other stakeholders are working towards
increasing productivity, improving efficiency, and ensuring sustainability to support the
growth of the sector and the country's overall development.

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13. The need for Industrialization of Bangladesh
Industrialization is important for the economic development of Bangladesh as it can create
jobs, increase productivity, promote innovation, and generate new sources of revenue for the
government. Here are some of the reasons why industrialization is needed in Bangladesh:

1. Diversification of the economy: Currently, Bangladesh's economy is heavily dependent on

the garment sector, which accounts for about 80% of the country's exports. Industrialization
can help diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on a single sector.

2. Job creation: Industrialization can create jobs for the growing population of Bangladesh,
particularly for the youth who are entering the workforce. The manufacturing sector has the
potential to create jobs in areas such as textiles, electronics, and automobiles.

3. Increased productivity: Industrialization can increase productivity by promoting the use of

modern technology, improving efficiency, and reducing wastage. This can help increase
output, lower costs, and improve competitiveness.

4. Attracting foreign direct investment: Industrialization can attract foreign direct investment
(FDI) by creating a favorable business environment, offering incentives, and providing
infrastructure. FDI can bring in new technology, know-how, and management practices that
can help spur industrial growth.

5. Addressing trade deficits: Bangladesh has a trade deficit, meaning it imports more than it
exports. Industrialization can help reduce this deficit by increasing the country's capacity to
produce goods for both domestic and export markets.

Overall, industrialization can help Bangladesh achieve sustainable economic development and
reduce poverty. However, it requires a supportive policy environment, investment in
infrastructure, and a skilled workforce to succeed.

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