An introduction to
Bangladesh
Physical and Anthropological Geography
● Physical Geography
● Bangladesh’s geography is defined by its flat deltaic plains,
vast river systems, and proximity to the Bay of Bengal.
● The country is crisscrossed by over 230 rivers, making it one of
the most flood-prone countries in the world.
● The delta shape of the land plays a crucial role in shaping how
people have settled and developed infrastructure.
Physical and Anthropological Geography
● Impact on Settlement: The river systems have supported trade
and communication, while also posing challenges in the form of
floods and erosion.
● The majority of the population lives in rural areas near these
water systems, and understanding this distribution helps us
predict areas that will need infrastructure development.
● Consider the design of airports and air navigation systems in
Bangladesh, which must take into account frequent flooding and
cyclones.
● The social and economic challenges created by the geography
Physical and Anthropological Geography
● Such as mass displacement during floods—also affect air traffic
management and the movement of people and goods.
● As future engineers, you'll need to understand how environmental
factors shape infrastructure design.
● Anthropological Geography
● The country is home to a diverse array of people.
● Including the indigenous communities like the Santal, Orao,
Chakma, and others.
Physical and Anthropological Geography
● Anthropological geography explores how these groups are
distributed across the land and how their unique cultural
practices influence their interaction with the environment.
● Understanding these diverse communities is important when
designing systems for transportation or even technology
solutions.
● For example, airports and airways need to consider cultural
factors when designing communication systems, especially in
remote areas where certain indigenous groups reside.
The face of ancient Bengal
● Ancient Bengal was a region of significant political, cultural, and
economic importance.
● It was known for its prosperity in agriculture, trade, and
urbanization.
● The region was a central hub in global trade routes, including
maritime trade with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
● Social Structures in Ancient Bengal: The society was structured
with a focus on agriculture, with strong influences from the
Maurya and Gupta empires.
● Urbanization was common in places like Pataliputra (modern-day
Patna), which was a thriving centre of political and intellectual
activity.
The face of ancient Bengal
● Connection to Aerospace: The development of cities and trade
routes influenced infrastructure building, much like the
development of modern airports and roadways.
● Ancient Bengal's advancement in urban planning, road
construction, and waterways lays the foundation for
understanding how the physical environment impacts
infrastructural growth.
Bengal in medieval period
● During the medieval period, Bengal saw significant changes,
especially with the rise of the Bengal Sultanate and later the
Mughal Empire.
● Impact of Muslim Rule: The Bengal Sultanate (14th-16th
centuries) and the Mughal Empire (16th-18th centuries):
● Brought about changes in the political landscape, including the
centralization of power and the development of a market
economy.
● Social Changes: This period saw the development of urban
centers, which played key roles in the social and economic
dynamics of Bengal.
Bengal in medieval period
● The medieval period also saw a blending of cultures—Hindu,
Buddhist, and Muslim—that formed the foundation of modern
Bengali culture.
● The rise of urban centres and centralized power influenced
infrastructure development, such as ports and trading centres.
● In modern-day Bangladesh, these influences can still be seen in
the importance placed on ports and airports.
● especially in the capital, Dhaka, which serves as the economic
hub.
British colonial rule in Bengal
● The British colonial era (1757-1947) drastically reshaped
Bengal’s political, economic, and social landscape.
● The British East India Company and later direct British rule led
to significant changes.
● Impact on Economy and Society: The British introduced land
reforms that led to a concentration of land in the hands of a
few, which created deep socio-economic divides.
● The introduction of railways and roads also had a profound
effect on the social fabric of the region.
