Main Economy, Tourism and Pull Factors, Culture and Society
City Characteristics:
- Main Economy
Dhaka City, is the commercial centre of Bangladesh and The Business Hub of South Asia . As of 2013, The GSP (Gross State Product) is $217 Billion and about 40% of Bangladesh's Gross domestic product. Dhaka's Gross Domestic Product grew at the rate of 6.1% as of 2013. Dhaka's State Income is one of the fastest growing in Asia; reportedly growing 9.3% per year. However, Dhaka City's income is much higher than Dhaka Division. As of 2014, Dhaka has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, reportedly to be 19%.
- Tourism and Pull Factors
Very populated and a lot of activity at all hours, Dhaka is a city of contrasts between old and new, rich and poor, industry and folk. From the concrete National Parliament House and ultramodern Bashundhara City, the largest shopping mall in South Asia, to the 17th Century Lalbagh Fort and the open markets along the city's side streets, these contrasts vividly shape the city. Visit the many mosques, temples and museums for a taste of Bengali culture and history.
500,000 people move to the capital, Dhaka, from coastal and rural areas each year – roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Washington, DC. Many of these people leave their homes because environmental factors have changed and they can no longer earn a living. Even though it is polluted, you can rarely feel it.
- Culture and Society Hierarchy
-Bangladesh is a hierarchical society.
-People are respected because of their age and position.
-Older people are naturally viewed as wise and are granted respect.
-Bangladeshis expect the most senior male, by age or position, to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. This is also valid in businesses, the majority of which will be family owned/run.
- Religion
-The majority of Bangladeshis are Muslim. However, most still very much mix this with pre-Islam folk traditions. Bangladeshis identify with the folk traditions of Bengali culture. This includes belief in shamanism and the powers of fakirs (Muslim holy men who are exorcists and faith healers), ojhaa (shamins with magical healing powers), and Bauls (religious mendicants and wandering musicians). There is a strong tradition of music, dance, and literature that includes classical devotions of Hindu and Muslim music.
-Festivals
Islam defines many of the festivals in Bangaldesh. These include two Eids (one after Ramadan and one after the Hajj) Shab-e-Qadr (the night of power), Milad un-Nabi (birth date of the Prophet Muhammad) and Shab-e-Barat (the night of the fortune). Hindu influences festivals include Durga Puja and Kali Puja (community worshipping of Goddess Durga and Kali).On the whole an entire community participates in each other's religious ceremonies. -