ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the emergence of Bangladesh, its historical evolution and challenges, and the nature of its society and culture. A Muslim-majority country with one of the highest population densities in the world and a political system that is continually embroiled in street politicking, Bangladesh is sometimes viewed as a country teetering on the precipice of internal implosion. The Bangladeshi cultural and political heritage is drawn from a wide variety of sources. Ancient Bengal primarily comprised several political and administrative units, which, at times, could be kingdoms such as Varendra, Vanga, Samatata, Harikela, Radha, Gauda, Anga, Vardhamana, Suhma, and Videha. It is generally accepted that the British rule of India started with the defeat of Nawab Sirajuddullah of Bengal in June 1757. Embedded in the Muslim representation of Bengal was a major social phenomenon that was at the heart of differences between the two wings of Pakistan.
