Bangladeshis are generally said to think of themselves as Bengalis first, and Muslims next. Lately, some in the Sunni-Muslim nation of 160 million have been thinking differently.
Like other societies noted for their tolerance, the rise of fundamentalism and extremist ideology within the broader faith has also had some effect on Bangladesh, once described as a "basket case" for its poverty and squalor.
This poverty, and lack of opportunity at home, has contributed to disgruntlement, making it fertile for extremist ideology.
It also has led thousands to seek work in the Gulf and in South-east Asian nations such as

Across the road from Dhaka airport, workers in bright yellow hardhats walk past rusting steel beams that show both the promise and risks facing Bangladesh’s economy.
The piles of metal are meant to be the building blocks of the country’s biggest public-private venture — a 20-kilometer (13-mile) elevated road that will allow cargo trucks to bypass the capital’s crowded intersections. It will connect with a highway, now being widened to four lanes, to the main port of Chittagong. Plans are underway for another expressway running parallel that will slash the travel time to two hours from eight.
When completed, the three projects would allow companies to quickly ferry goods along a 250-kilometer route that carries 90 percent of Bangladesh’s exports. Prime Minister Sheikh
The goverment is aiming to enact a controversial digital security law aimed at tackling digital crimes. But experts fear the proposed legislation could also be used to muzzle freedom of expression in the polarized nation.
“With increased digital services, crimes not only occur online but also through digital services. So we are planning to enact a more elaborate act to tackle all sorts of digital crimes.” These are the words of Bangladesh’s State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Junaid Ahmed Palak, speaking on January 12 at a press conference in the capital Dhaka about
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Three international sourcing trade shows on RMG industry with participation of around 300 companies from more than 30 countries under one roof will be held between January 13-16, 2016, in Dhaka.
Mr. Tofail Ahmed, M.P., Minister for Commerce, Govt. of People’s Republic of Bangladesh will be the chief guest to formally open the high-profile events.
Zakaria Trade & Fair International, ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and Bangladesh Garment Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) are jointly organizing the 15
th edition of GARMENTECH Bangladesh 2016 – International Apparel
Prime minister Sheikh HasinaPrime minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday showered praises on teachers saying their dignity is above everything as there is no way to compare teachers with others.
"Respected teachers are the conscience of society, the honour of teachers are always above everything...there's no way to compare them with others...teachers are always teachers," she said, reports UNB.

The premier said this while addressing the prime minister gold medal award distribution ceremony at her office.
University grants commission (UGC) organ...