People

The primary and official language of Bangladesh is Bengali, also known as Bangla. It serves as the linguistic glue that unites the diverse population of the country. Bengali is an Indo-Aryan language with its own unique script, a syllabic writing system called "Bangla script." It is spoken by the vast majority of the population and is integral to the cultural identity of Bangladesh. Additionally, English is widely used in education and business, and many Bangladeshis are proficient in the language. The linguistic landscape of Bangladesh reflects a harmonious coexistence of various languages spoken by ethnic minority groups, adding to the overall linguistic diversity of the nation.

In Bangladesh, the four major religions include Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. Islam is the most popular religion, with over 90% of the population being practicing Muslim. In Bangladesh, Sunni Islam is the most commonly practiced. While Bangladesh does state Islam as the state religion in the Constitution, it is known for being the most secular country out of all Muslim countries, with secularism being one of the four fundamental principles in the country. Holidays celebrated by muslims include Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, and Chaad Raat. About 8% of the population in Bangladesh follows Hinduism, where much of the population comes from West Bengal in India. Holidays celebrated include Durga Puja, Rath yatra, and Janmashtami. Buddhism and Christianity make up approximately 1% of the population.

Indigenous people in Bangladesh, constitute diverse ethnic groups with distinct cultures, languages, and traditions. Many of these communities are concentrated in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the Sylhet Division, and other hilly regions. Notable indigenous groups include the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Mro, Garo, and Manda, among others. They often have their languages and adhere to various religious practices, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and animistic beliefs. Indigenous communities face unique challenges such as land rights issues, displacement, and socio-economic disparities. Efforts are ongoing to recognize and protect their rights, promote cultural preservation, and ensure their active participation in national development. Despite challenges, the indigenous people of Bangladesh contribute significantly to the nation's cultural diversity and heritage.