The importance of knowing the culture and lifestyle of your desired study abroad country is that you do not have to worry about getting embarrassed once you are there. This is a pivotal part of the process of immersing yourself into a new environment and country!
As you should expect, the Bangladeshi culture is diverse and unique in its way to your host family. On this guide, we have set information that will open your mind and widen your appreciation of the Bangladeshi culture and lifestyle compactly!
Bengalis are some of the most open-hearted, positive and hospitable people you will ever meet, and they are eager to share their homeland with the curious eye.
While greatly influenced by neighboring regions, Bangladesh has its own unique cultural identity amidst the Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. These differences can be seen in folklore, literature, music, tribal dances, festivities, and even in contemporary pop music.
The country has produced popular poets like Dualat Kazi, Alaol and Chandi Das, who crafted notable contributions to Bengali literature.
Drama is part of the old tradition, and many theater groups regularly stage local performances and adaptations of European art in the famous Natak Para theater in Dhaka, as well as in the universities. Tribal dances are accompanied by popular folk tunes.
Clothing is another distinct flying aspect of the Bangladeshi culture. Women here traditionally wear saris and salwar kameez, which are often made from finely woven, quilted or embroidered patchwork. Weaving cloth is one of the oldest art forms.
The lungi or sarong is a special garment for men, though it is rarely used in the modern Bangladesh. The fashion culture is somewhat a blend of the native and exotic texture, indiscriminately welcoming foreigners amd travelers alike!
This country is a Muslim nation, and visitors are expected to be respectful and observe proper etiquette, especially when visiting religious regions. Some mosques may be off-limits to non-Muslims and some areas may be abhorrent for women. When you are here remember to always take off your shoes before entering and ask permission to take photographs before pointing and shooting.
The same applies when photographing random people on the street, especially females. Bangladesh is a very conservative country, women should wear long skirts or trousers and modest tops even when just walking around town.
Speaking of family, most households consist of parents, or a parent, and their children. Rarely do grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins live under the same roof even if they live in the same town. However, there are some joint families; sometimes grandparents move in with the family as they grow older, but this custom is changing and is less common.
Families typically dine together, but it’s not unusual to eat apart as schedules demand. Students are accustomed to making small and simple meals by themselves, however they will not be accustomed to making full meals for themselves.
About teen life here, children ask for permission before they borrow anything. However, sharing, especially with cosmetics, food, and means of transportation, is common.
Many things are considered normal, though, like food, and can be taken or used without asking. Generally, house help are employed at home for cleaning rooms and bathrooms, doing laundry and household chores. Bangladeshi teenagers are generally not given important responsibilities beyond their own academic potential.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
