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Green University of Bangladesh

Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Final Exam Assignment with rubrics, Fall 2020
Course Code: GED 305 Course Title: Bangladesh Studies
Full Marks: 20

1. How do you define Bangladesh’s economic development in the context of any

developing country? Explain with appropriate logic. [CO3] [8 marks]

Answer: Bangladesh is a developing country, and its economy is the 35 th largest in the
world in nominal terms. Its economic performance is captivating with a rapid growing
economy and astonishing achievements. After the liberation war the GDP growth rate
was -14% in 1972. From there the average GDP is now 8%. This incredible achievement
also brought economic uprising in various sectors that include health and education.

Economic development is a process by which emerging economies become advanced

economies. It also means that a country’s low living standard will gradually replaced into
high living standards. When economy is developed, the overall health, well-being, and
education of the general population is improved. The Cambridge dictionary defines
economic development as “The process in which an economy grows or changes and
becomes more advanced, especially when both economic and social conditions are
improved.” The main concepts that are involved with economic developments are
education standards, literacy rates, access to health care, income per capita,
environmental standards and average life expectancy.

In the last decade, Bangladesh as developing country improved its economy very
significantly. If we compare it with another developing country of South East Asia,
Pakistan, we can clearly see the differences. The per capita income of Bangladeshis were
around 1900 US dollar (USD) in 2019, up from 120 USD in 1972. While Pakistan’s per
capita income in 219 was around 1700 USD from 120 USD in 1971. According to a
Global Research report by HSBC, Bangladesh is likely to be the biggest mover in the
global GDP rankings in 2030, becoming the 26th largest economy in the world. In 2017-
18 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported 36.6 billion (USD) worth of goods in contrast to
Pakistan's just 23 billion (USD). The foreign exchange reserve of Pakistan is around
USD15 billion (2019) where Bangladesh has double the amount.

Sustain population planning control lead Bangladesh to have fewer people in the country
compare to Pakistan. East Pakistan’s population in the 1951 census was 42 million, while
West Pakistan’s was 33.7m. But today Bangladesh has far fewer people than Pakistan —
165m versus 200m. Bangladesh also improved in the health sector in some extent. It has
low child deaths compare to Pakistan. The life expectancy is also higher in Bangladesh
(72.5 years) than Pakistan ( 66.5 years).
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One big achievement of Bangladesh is involving more women in workforce. This helps
the economy to uprise a lot. Especially the garment sectors majorly depend on female
workers. Though, a large number of females do not work outside home, the percentage is
of working women is still greater in Bangladesh compare to Pakistan. According to the
report of International Labour Organization (ILO), 33.2% females of Bangladesh is
working in various sectors while Pakistan’s 25.1% females are employed.

At the end, it can be said that, the above data are evidence of the developing economy of
Bangladesh. Comparing it with another developing country shows that Bangladesh is
doing very well indeed. Bangladesh sees its future in human development and economic
growth. The area that are prioritize are increasing exports, reducing unemployment,
improving health, reducing dependence upon loans and aid, and further extending micro
credit.

2. Why climate change matter for agriculture in Bangladesh? What challenges are creating
by the problems of climate change in the field of agriculture in Bangladesh?
[CO2] [6 Marks]
Answer: Climate change and agriculture are interrelated and the agricultural sector of
Bangladesh is greatly affected due to the climate change. The geographical settings of our
country and the production of season based crops are the major reasons why climate
change matters in our agriculture. Agriculture is the food source and backbone of
Bangladesh. This sector employs around 44% workforce in the country and contribute
about 12% of the GDP. So, climate is a very concerning matter in the agricultural sector
of Bangladesh.

The main climate variables are rainfall, flood, temperature, length of the day, drought,
soil and water salinity etc. In the field of agriculture, many challenges arise that are
created by the problems of climate change. Some of these are discussed in brief below.

Impact of rainfall in the crop production of Bangladesh: This is one of the main
factors for crop production. Different crops have different demand of water for their
growth and development. But excessive rainfall may harm the crops by creating flood or
water logging conditions. On the other hand, Bangladesh Agriculture Development
Corporation narrated that the irrigation coverage of the country is not sufficient so many
parts of the country rely on natural rainfall for producing various crops. But due to
climate change the natural rainfall frequency and intensity is affected.

Impact of temperature: The temperature of the earth is increasing significantly. For the
vegetative and reproductive growth of a crop it has a specific temperature range. If the
temperature is exceeded the upper limit or falls below the range, then the crop production
is affected adversely. Moreover, higher temperature has negative effect on the organic
matter of the soil.
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Impact of Sea level rising: The sea level is rising continuously due to the global
warming. World Bank predicted in 2000 that the sea level of Bangladesh would rise at
10 cm, 25cm and 1 m in 2020, 2050 and 2100 respectively. The sea level rising will
cause two major effects i.e. saltwater intrusion and creating flood. Salinity intrusion due
to sea level rise will decrease agricultural production by unavailability of fresh water and
soil degradation. It also decreases the terminative energy and germination rate of some
plants.

Impact of floods and cyclones: The rise in temperature will cause stronger and frequent
cyclones at the sea. Usually our country is flooded naturally every year. The temperature
rise will increase this flood level. Agriculture is the most vulnerable and affected sector
in Bangladesh in response to flood. It is shown in a study the production of agricultural
products 45% reduced for 1988 devastating flood, again in 1998 more than 2 million
hectares of crop land was swamped by flood water. The coastal area of Bangladesh is
highly susceptible due to cyclonic storms and flood for its natural settings
alongside tropical cyclone made this area of highly vulnerable to be affected by natural
disasters.

Impact of drought: Most of the people of Bangladesh depend on natural resources for
their livelihood. The global warming has contributed extensively to the drought. The food
security is affected due to drought condition. It mostly affects Bangladesh in pre-
monsoon and post-monsoon periods. During the last 50 years, Bangladesh suffered about
20 drought conditions. During 1981 and 1982 droughts affected the production of the
monsoon crops only. The drought condition in north-western Bangladesh in recent
decades had led to a shortfall of rice production of 3.5 million tons in the 1990s. s

3. Describe about two major ethnic minors in Bangladesh with their food, culture, location,
language and uniqueness. [CO1] [6 Marks]
Answer: Bangladesh is a dwelling place for different ethnic groups. The indigenous
people or ethnic minorities of the country mostly live in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Sylhet
division, Rajshahi division and Mymensing district. Here, we will talk about two of the
major groups i.e. Chakmas and Marmas.

Chakma: They are the largest group in the Chittagong Hill Tract region. They are
believed to come from Arakan from the ancient kingdom of Magadha. The majority of
Chakma practices the religion of Theravada Buddhism. They are follower of this religion
for a few centuries. A small number of people practice Islam, Christianity and Hinduism.
Chakma language known as Changma Vajor Changma Kodha is an Indo-
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Europeanlanguage spoken by the Chakmaand Daingnet people. Its better-known closest

relatives are Bengali, Assamese, Chittagonian, Bishnupriya Manipuri, Tanchangya, and
Sylheti. The Chakma people have their own culture, literature and traditions. The
Chakma tend to mainly cook over an open fire. They have various food choices including
meats but beef is usually not a food of choice. Bamboo shoot known as Bajchuri is a
traditional food of these people. Rice is their staple food supplemented by millet, maize,
vegetables, and mustard. Women generally wear an ankle length cloth around the waist
known as Phinon. A Haddi is wrapped above the waste and their silver ornaments are
common to see. Chakma people are rich with their own culture and tradition. Monoghara
are the traditional temporary homes which is constructed with bamboo and thatch. This
structure is supported by wooden logs. The most important festivals celebrated by the
Chakmas are Bizu, Alphaloni, Buddha Purnima, and Kathin Civar Dan. Gudu hara (Ha-
do-do) is a game played throughout the Chakma region. Other common sports are Ghilay
hara and Nandeng hara.

Marma: They are the second largest ethnic community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
They were formerly known as Moghs or Maghs. The primiray residing area of Marma
people are Bandarban, Khagrachari and Rangamati. Some of them live in Cox’s bazar
and Patuakhali as well. The major food items are rice and boiled vegetables. A paste of
dried fish called Nappi is a favourite dish. Many enjoy rice bear and smoke indigenous
cigar.
The language of Marma tribe is an Arakanese which is written in Burmese characters. It
belongs to the Burma-Arakan group within the broad classifications of Tibet-Burma
languages. But in present time, Marmas in urban areas and nearby settlements speak the
local language of Chittagong. They are usually Buddhist and Animism is also common.
One big influence in their decision making is dream. They have their own culture and
uniqueness. Marma men wear lungi where the women wear a sarong called thabein and
angi (blouse). Most of the people depend on agriculture. Jhum cultivation is their main
agricultural pursuit. Another job they can do very well is basketry. Marriage has very
importance in the life of Marmas and cross cousin marriages and monogamy are
predominant features of this society. Marmas follow the Burmese calendar. Sangrain is
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their new year. They make a traditional cake called sangraimu during the new year
festival which is celebrated for three days. Marmas maintain a three-tier one traditional
political administrative system. A karbari takes care of village level administration is.
The head of a mouza is a headman and the circle chief (Raja) is the head of the circle.