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Class 6 Bangladesh Global Studies Guide

The document is a textbook titled 'Bangladesh and Global Studies' for Class Six, prescribed by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board of Bangladesh, revised for the academic year 2025. It emphasizes the importance of education in developing skilled human resources and fostering a prosperous nation, integrating various subjects such as sociology, history, and economics to provide a comprehensive understanding of Bangladesh's society and global context. The textbook aims to promote responsible citizenship and is designed to be learner-friendly, reflecting the evolving educational needs of the country.

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Jhon Francisco
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
11K views66 pages

Class 6 Bangladesh Global Studies Guide

The document is a textbook titled 'Bangladesh and Global Studies' for Class Six, prescribed by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board of Bangladesh, revised for the academic year 2025. It emphasizes the importance of education in developing skilled human resources and fostering a prosperous nation, integrating various subjects such as sociology, history, and economics to provide a comprehensive understanding of Bangladesh's society and global context. The textbook aims to promote responsible citizenship and is designed to be learner-friendly, reflecting the evolving educational needs of the country.

Uploaded by

Jhon Francisco
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Bangladesh and Global Studies

Class S1x
Prescribed by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board
as a textbook for class six from the academic year 2012

Bangladesh and Global Studies


Class Six

Revised for the year 2025

National Curriculum and Textbook Board, Bangladesh


Published by
The National Curriculum and Textbook Board
69-70, Motijheel Commercial Area, Dhaka

[All rights reserved by the Publisher}

First edition written, edited and translated by


Prof. Dr. Muntassir Mamoon
Prof. Shafiul Alam
Abul Momen
Prof. Dr. Mahboob Sadiq
Prof. Dr, Morshed Shafiul Hasan
Prof. Dr. Syed Azizul Hug
Syed Mahfooz Ali
Prof. Mamtazuddin Patwari
Prof, Dr. Khondoker Mokaddem Hossain
Prof. Dr. Abu Md. Delwar Hossain
Prof. Dr. A K M Shahnawaz
Dr. Selina Akhter
Fahmida Haq
Dr. Uttam Kumar Das
Anwarul Hoque
Syeda Sangeeta Imam
Prof. Fazlul Hug Khan
Prof. Yasmin Banu
Md. Mainul Kabir
Muhammad Iliach

First Publication : December 2011


Revised Edition : September 2014
Revised Edition : November 2020
Revised Edition : October 2024

For free distribution by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh


Printed by :
Preface
The importance of formal education is diversified. The prime goal of modern education
is not to impart knowledge only but to build a prosperous nation by developing skilled
human resources. At the same time, education is the best means of developing a society
free from superstitions and adheres to science and facts. To stand as a developed nation
in the science and technology-driven world of the 21st century, we need to ensure
quality education, A well-planned education is essential for enabling our new
generation to face the challenges of the age and to motivate them with the strength of
patriotism, values, and ethics. In this context, the government is determined to ensure
education as per the demand of the age.
Education is the backbone of a nation and a curriculum provides the essence of formal
education. Again, the most important tool for implementing a curriculum is the
textbook. The National Curriculum 2012 has been adopted to achieve the goals of the
National Education Policy 2010. In light of this, the National Curriculum and Textbook
Board (NCTB) has been persistently working on developing, printing, and distributing
quality textbooks. This organization also reviews and revises the curriculum, textbook,
and assessment methods according to needs and realities.
Secondary education is a vital stage in our education system. This textbook is catered
to the age, aptitude, and endless inquisitiveness of the students at this level, as well as
to achieve the aims and objectives of the curriculum. It is believed that the book written
and meticulously edited by experienced and skilled teachers and experts will be
conducive to a joyful experience for the students. It is hoped that the book will play a
significant role in promoting creative and aesthetic spirits among students along with
subject knowledge and skills.
In the Bangladesh and Global Studies for Class VI, sociology, history, civics,
economics, and population related issues have been presented in an integrated way.
With this, students will get a clear picture of the society, environment, history, tradition,
culture, and socio-economic and political conditions of Bangladesh. Along with these, it
will be them build their status and identity on a large scale. It is hoped that by practicing
the contents, they will make themselves as responsible global citizen. By using the
acquired knowledge, they can play an important role in the development of the society
and provide solutions to the global problems.
It may be mentioned here that due to the changing situation in 2024 and as per the
needs the textbook has been reviewed and revised for the academic year 2025. It is
mentionable here that the last version of the textbook developed according to the
curriculum 2012 has been taken as the basis. Meticulous attention has been paid to the
textbook to make it more learner-friendly and error-free. However, any suggestions for
further improvement of this book will be appreciated.
Finally, I would like to thank all of those who have contributed to the book as writers,
editors, reviewers, illustrators and graphic designers.

October 2024 Prof. Dr. AK M Reazul Hassan


Chairman
National Curriculum and Textbook Board, Bangladesh
Contents

Chapter Title Pages


One History of social Evolution 01-09

Two History of Bangladesh 10-18

| Three Culture and society of Bangladesh 19-33

Four Economy of Bangladesh 24-33

Five Bangladesh and Her Citizens 34-42

Six Environment of Bangladesh 43-48

Seven Children’s Growth and Obstacles: Socialization 49-55

Eight Bangladesh and Regional Co-operation 56-60


Chapter One
History of Social Evolution
The world we live in is made up of people, as well as many species of plants,
animals and sea creatures. In the primitive period, man was helpless in the face
of animals’ attack, natural disasters and other perils. To survive and to fulfill the
demand of life, they felt the necessity of mutual cooperation. Thus, in the
process of developing mutual cooperation, man built up society. Not only
humans, but also among animals and insects we observe gregarious lifestyle.
For example, elephants like to live and move in groups. If a crow falls in danger,
all the crows come to his rescue. Bees make be-hives and white ants make
ant-hills to live together in harmony. By reading the lessons of this chapter, we
shall learn about the society and civilization process of Bangladesh, what
society is and how it developed.

At the end of this chapter, we will be able to-


* explain the idea of human society;
* describe the influence of natural and geographical environment on social life;
narrate different phases of social development, such as Socio-economic and
cultural situation of hunting and food gathering, horticulture,
pastoral, agrarian,
Industrial and post-industrial society;
* analyze the nature of Bangladeshi society according to the features of evolution;
e make a comparison between agrarian society and the process of production
in the modern age;
realize the importance of evolution in social development.

Lesson-1 : Concept of Society


Man cannot live alone. They live in groups to lead a safe- and sound life. As a
result, friendship and kin relationships are formed among them. Different social
relationships like help and cooperation, sympathy, conflict and mutual reliance
develop among them. All these are social relationships. Human race living
together in harmony is called society.
Small institutions and organizations, such as- family, clan, club, co-operative are
parts of a society. We live in a certain family. Parents living together with one or
more of their children form a family. In some families, apart from parents and
their children, the family consists of the bonds and activities of other
individuals including their siblings or uncles, aunts, grandparents, etc. Family is
the first phase of forming a society. In ancient time, there was nothing like
family before the society was formed. Man had to live fighting with

Forma-1 Bangladesh & Global Studies, Class-6


2 Society of Bangladesh

hostile environment. So, people felt the necessity of living together to collect
food and to save themselves from the attack of ferocious animals. Thus, man
formed society. From family, man formed clan, community and nation. Thus,
large society emerged from small units.
Normally, there are two characteristics of a society. Firstly, man lives together
and secondly, there are purposes behind living together. Therefore, by society,
we mean man's mutual relationship on the ground of which he lives for special
purposes and needs for living together.

Task-1: Be dividedin groups and act out the group works of the primitive society.

Lesson-2: Impact of Natural and Geographical Environment on Social Life


Human life is influenced by natural and geographical environment. Man sometimes
influences the environment, but he is controlled by the environment most of the time.
That is why the impact of environment is distinct on the ways of life, manners and
culture of a society.
Rivers simplify hunvan lifestyle. Major civilizations of the world develaped on the bank
of rivers. For example, Indus civilization developed on the bank of the river Sind, Egyptian
civilization on the bank of the river Nile, and Mesopotamian civilization developed
on the bank of Tigris River and Euphrates River. The ancient civilization of Bangladesh
developed on the basin of the river Ganges.
Again, the occupation of the people depends on the natural resources of that region.
For instance, the miners live in mine regions, and industrial workers live in industrial
areas. Because of being a riverine country, the transports of most of the regions of
Bangladesh are boat, launch and steamer. Again, the transports of some regions are
train, bus, rickshaw and bullock cart.
Geographical environment has its impact on the development of cottage industries.
Because of riverine area and favourable climate, the weavers live at Demra in Dhaka.
The famous Dhakai Saree is woven here. Silk Saree and cloth industries have been
established in Rajshahi because mulberry trees grow in this region and silk-worms
make their nests in mulberry trees.
The Molasses of Faridpur, Manda (sweetmeat) of Muktagasa, Saree of Tangail, Honey
of the Sunderbans, Sitol Pati of Sylhet are related to the geographical environment
of those regions. The famous Muslin industry of Sonargaon also developed due to
geographical environment and availability of raw materials.
Geographical environment also influences dress and dwelling. People of cold regions
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wear warm silk cloth, while people of tropical regions put on light cotton cloth. The
people of the places where earthquakes take place frequently make their houses with
Bangladesh & Global Studies 3

woods. Industrialization and urbanization develop easily where there is advanced


transportation. Because of good waterways, industries were set up at Narayanganj
and Chattogram from long ago.

| Task: Mark in the map of Bangladesh the places famous for Saree, Shitol Pati and
Sericulture

Lesson—3 and 4: Different Stages in the Evolution of Society: Hunting


and Food Gathering, Horticulture and Pastoral Society

Society is changeable. The old society was not like our present day society. The society
of today's Bangladesh is the result of long gradual evolution. In course of time, with
the development of knowledge and science, the old society quickly changed and
modern society of today was formed. Society will change more in future. With the
passage of time, these changes of society can be divided into six types. These are: (1)
hunting and food gathering society, (2) horticultural society, (3) pastoral society, (4)
agrarian society, (5) industrial society and (6) post industrial society.

Hunting and Food Gathering Society

Hunting and food gathering society is the oldest organized society. At that time, there
were no permanent houses. Men used to live in caves and woods. Then natural
resources were in plenty. But man still did not know how to produce food using these
resources. They used to procure food and go out for hunting inthe forest. They

moved from one place to another in search of


food. The main work of the primitive people
was to collect fruits, fishing and hunting birds
and animals. When they could hunt, they could
eat, otherwise they had to starve. The women
folk used to gather fruits and men went for
hunting. At that time, stone was the only tool
for hunting. For this reason, this society is
: : F The tools used to collect food in the primitive
calledprehistoric or stone age society. society
The remarkable tools of this society were notched spear, harpoon for fishing and
needles made of bones. People used bark of trees, creepers, herbs and hide to protect
themselves from the cold, sun and rain. The people of this society could not form
strong organization or institution. Then, man had to move from one place to another
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place in search of food.


4 Society of Bangladesh

Horticultural Society
In this society, men became food producers from food collectors. Sociologists say that
women had started cultivation. In the primitive society, women had the responsibility
for gathering fruits. Men went for hunting. In the process of gathering fruits, women
collected wild wheat and barley, potato, esculent root and tubers. Saplings grew from
seeds of wheat and barley that fell around their dwelling places. Then the saplings
would bear ear of corn and crops. They saw this incident and thought of growing crops
scattering seeds. This stage of agriculture is called horticulture. Women made holes
with a long stick or animal horn on the waste land around their dwelling places.
Putting seeds in the holes, they produced crops and fruits. They reaped mature crops
with the jaw-bones of animals. But they did not grow more crops than they needed.
As such crops could not be grown in one place repeatedly, Their life was nomadic.
Pastoral Society
In the course of social development, start of cattle rearing led the society further
ahead. Besides food gathering, people of this society started taming and rearing
cattle. The hunters initially tamed the dog and made it a domestic animal. The dog was
a faithful protector and a hunting companion. Sometimes, wild oxen, sheep, goats,
donkeys and other animals were caught alive. Man kept these animals tied with rope.
These animals were living food store for them. If there were no animals available to
hunt, they slaughtered these animals for food. Gradually people began to realize that
keeping cows and goats alive can be more profitable than killing them. For example,
they would get milk daily and calf annually, and fur and hide would be used for various
purposes. Thus, the increase of domestic animals in the society became an asset to
people.
There was no use of currency in the pastoral society. But people invented barter
system. Animals of one man would be exchanged with the animals or anything else of
another man. However, like the primitive people, the people of pastoral society were
wanderers as well.

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Cattle Rearing in Pastoral Society


Bangladesh & Global Studies 3

Task : Being divided into groups, identify the characteristics of three societies mentioned
above and present them.

Lesson-5 and 6 : Stages of Social Development: Agrarian, Industrial and


Post- Industrial Revolution Society

Agrarian Society
Though women started cultivation, men took the responsibility of farming after the
invention of plough. Initially they started tilling taking yoke on their shoulder. In course
of time, they started using bullocks. The use of plough and bullocks increased food
production. In the areas of flood and siltation, they scattered the seeds of wheat and
barley on land. These regions were the Tigris-Euphrates basin, the banks of the Nile
and the Indus Valley. In that period, it rained heavily in West Asia and Africa. So,
agriculture gradually developed in these regions. Subsequently, agriculture flourished
in Africa, Europe and other places of Asia. With the spread of agriculture, the
necessity of cattle rearing increased further.
Agriculture has advanced the development of society and civilization. Population
increased in the regions which were suitable for agriculture. People of this society
started living permanently. Agriculture ensured man's supply of food and surplus food
was produced. Surplus food created a class of people who did not work. Some of them
took part in business and commerce, and contributed to the development of urban
life. Surplus agricultural production initiated civilization. For this reason, it is said that
civilization is the contribution of agriculture.

Industrial Society
Significant development in agriculture was made in Europe in the later period of the
middle age. Man's attraction for knowledge and science increased. The Europeans
discovered the knowledge and science of ancient Greek and Roman tradition. This is
known in Europe as regeneration or renaissance. The men of Europe during this time
came out to know the unknown, to discover the world. In the 149? A.D. Columbus
reached America. Newton presented his epoch-making discovery of gravitation in the
1685 A.D. In this way discoveries brought out one after another.
2025
6 Society of Bangladesh

lMachaiied piotwction in aust rial Society

In the eighteen century, steam engine was invented in England. It brought a revolution
in the system of production. Using the concept of steam engine, the scientists
invented shuttle or spinning machine, mechanical loom, steamship and rail engine. At
this time, electricity was invented. Electricity began to be produced with a special kind
of steam engine named steam turbine. Thus, on one hand, production started in large
factories, on the other hand, trade, commerce and communication expanded by
speedy ships and railways. In this way, industrial revolution started in Europe and the
pioneer was England.
The use of coal, gas, petrol and electricity began in the 18th-19th century. Railway
communication started in the 19th century. To satisfy the increasing demand of labour
and raw materials in industries, the men of Europe established colony in Asia and
Africa. Since then, there was worldwide impact of industrial revolution. The use of
aeroplane, radio, cinema and television began in the 20°" century.

Post Industrial Revolution Society


In the industrial society, machine takes the place of man and animals as the source of
energy. After the industrial revolution, the base of society is knowledge and
information. The main feature of the society is information processing rather than
industry. Instead of property-owners, professionals, service-holders, scientists,
information engineers, and people involved in service and recreation become
important. Automatic machine, computer, mobile phone and various media of
communication, for example-facebook, has made the world a global village. This
process is called globalization.

Task : Get into groups and identify the features of agricultural society and industrial
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society.
Bangladesh & Global Studies 7

Lesson-7: Nature of Society in Bangladesh


With the advancement of time, today the society of Bangladesh has changed into a
modern society. Signs of primitive human settlement have been found in Lalmai of
Cumilla, Uari-Bateshwar of Narsingdi and in some regions of Chattogram and Sylhet.
These ancestors of the Bangalees introduced agriculture in this region. At that time
surplus crops were produced in agriculture. Depending on these surplus crops, some
other occupations, such as, artisans, businessmen and workers developed. |n the
agricultural society, various customs, beliefs, values and festivals emerged keeping
agriculture at the centre. Along with agricultural work, there were hunting and cattle
rearing.
However, in the 18th century, Bangladesh entered the colonial era after losing the
battle of Palashi. In that era any attempt to create industry in the region had to be
guided by the management of the British Empire. Because of this, during the British
period, the possibility of local industrialization of this country was destroyed, and the
idea of dependent development grew, which continued until the Pakistan period.
entering into a developed stage of the society does not mean the abolition of the
previous stages. That is why, though the city-based population of Bangladesh has
entered into post-industrial revolution era, they still maintain traditions of the
previous social stages to some extent. Therefore, horticulture, cattle rearing,
agriculture is contributing much to our economy. Still in this country there are Garo,
Tripura, Chakma ethnic groups dependent on horticulture, as well as animal
husbandry groups. Again, small farmers are sustaining agriculture according to the
ancient tradition, but at the same time, there are enough market-oriented farmers
and agro-based industries. And heavy industry has also developed lately. Although
industry did not develop during the Pakistani period due to the neglect of the rulers,
but after independence, the agricultural production in Bangladesh increased manifold
as well as the industry expanded widely. In cities like Dhaka, Chittagong and Khulna
and on their outskirts, large-scale industries and business establishments have also
developed.

At present, in the post- industrial-revolution era, with the extreme development of


information technology, Bangladesh has joined in the information technology
revolution. Now, in Bangladesh, multi-dimensional technology including Internet,
software and networking are being used in every quarter of day-to-day life including
administrative, educational, social and cultural sectors.

Task : “Society of Bangladesh is the result of gradual development of human society.”


Analyze.
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Society of Bangladesh

Exercise

Multiple Choice Questions


1. Which one is the first step for forming a society?
a. Clan c, community
b. Tribe d. family

2. Women first started cultivation, because they had—


i. Creative attitude
ii. Responsibility for collecting food
iii. Obligation for responsibility

Which one of the following is correct?

a. i c. i and ii
b. iii d. i, ii and iii
Read the following extract and answer question number 3 and 4-

A fair is going on in the school field. A stall has been decorated with spinning machines,
looms for weaving cloths and minor projects for producing electricity.

3. The indication of which society is found in the extract?


a. Hunting and food gathering based society c. Agrarian society
b. Horticultural society d. Industrial society

4. Due to that society -


i. More production has been ensured
ii. Agriculture was introduced
iii Transportation has been easier

Which one of the following is correct?

a. i c. | andiii
b. jand ii d. i, ii and iii
2023
Bangladesh & Global Studies 9

1. Creative Question

Fig-1

a. What is Porabari famous for?


b. Why did the primitive people live in groups?
Name the society the testimony of which is signified by figure -1 in the excerpt,
explain.
d, Figure-2 signifies that women were the introducers of society—-evaluate the
statement.

Forma-2 Bangladesh & Global Studies, Class-6


10 History of Bangladesh
Chapter Two

History of Bangladesh

Although Bangladesh was born as an independent state in 1971, the history of


Bengal is very old. Counting from the ancient era, the middle age came in
succession of Maurya, Sunga, Kushan, Gupta, Pala and Sena regimes. Muslim
rule was established in Bengal after the conquest of Nadia by Bakhtiyar Khalji.
The Ilyas Shahi and Hussain Shahi dynasties established a strong governance
structure in Bengal. After the defeat of Nawab Sirajuddaula in the Battle of
Palashi, Bengal and India came under the British rule. After liberation from
them, present day Bangladesh was named East Pakistan. After a long
movement and struggle, we got our Bangladesh in 1971 through victory in the
Great War of Liberation.

At the end of this chapter, we will be able to-

* narrate the sequence of human settlement in Bengal;


® make an age-wise division of the political history;

* describe the socio-economic, cultural and religious life of ancient Bengal;


e describe the political situation of Bengal in the Middle Ages;
* describe the political life of Bengalin the modern age;
* narrate in the country’s origin, culture, civilization, tradition and liberation war.

Lesson- 1, 2 and 3: Human Settlement and Political History of Bangladesh


Human settlement existed in this territory of Bangladesh since ancient times. The
antiquity of this land has been proved by recently discovered archeology.
Pre-historic weapons, such as- axe made of stone and burnt wood, chisel, point of
an arrow have been discovered at Rangamati and Sitakunda in Chattogram, Lalmai
of Cumilla, Chunarughat of Hobigonj, Uari- Bateshwar of Narsingdi. People in the
stone age used to live in the forests as nomads. After that, prosperous human
settlements developed at Mahasthangarh in Bogura and Uari-Bateshwar in
Narsingdi. The ancient city of Mahasthangarh is called Pundranagar which was
2025

builtinthe 4th century BC. On the other hand, traces of important human
Bangladesh & Global Studies ll

settlements have also been found from Uari-Bateshwar. In modern times, the names of 16
Mahajanapadas (vast settlements) of the Indian subcontinent are known.

The pre-Maurya political history of various settlements in the subcontinent is known.


However, the inscription found as the primary evidence of the history of the present part of
Bangladesh is considered to be of the Maurya era. According to many, the inscription was
issued by Emperor Ashoka. From the details of this inscription, it is assumed that the Maurya
emperor Ashoka ruled Pundranagar. Then successive dynasties ruled the present territory of
Bangladesh.

Gupta Age
The detailed history of our country is known from the Gupta period. They were the rulers of
the north region of the Indian subcontinent. A province called Pundravardhan Bhukti in the
northern part of Bangladesh was under the rule of the Guptas. We have to remember that
today's Bangladesh was not a single country in ancient times. Different regions of Bangladesh
were known as Pundravardhan, Banga, Samatata, Gaur, Barendra, Harikel etc.

Shashanka
After the fall of the Gupta rule, the names of a few kings are found. This period is known as
‘Later Gupta’ period when there were three famous kings: Gopacandra, Dharmaditya and
Samacharadeva. Then in the seventh century a powerful ruler named Shashanka can be
identified. He was the ruler of Gaur. His surname was Gaudeshwar. After his death, there was
no permanent ruler in ancient Bengal for about a hundred years. In chaos, the small states of
Bengal were involved in quarrels and wars among themselves.

Pala Dynasty
The Pala dynasty ruled Bengal for a long time. Gopala was the founder of this dynasty.
He removed the tyranny of 'Matsyanyaya’ i.e. chaos like a fish kingdom and sat on the
throne of Gaur. After Gopala, Dharmapala, Devapala, Rampala and Mahipala were the
famous rulers of this dynasty. The Pala dynasty ruled Bengal for about 400 years.
During their period, Bengal flourished in politics, economy, architecture, painting and
art. The famous Paharour Mahavihara of Naogaon district is a monument of Pala
Dynasty.
2025
12 History of Bangladesh

During the period of the Pala rulers, outside their dominions, the Kharag, Deva,
Chandra and Varma dynasties ruled independently in the Cumilla and Vikrampur
regions. Hiuen Tsang, the famous Chinese traveler, traveled to this region Known as
Samatata. He found as many as 30 Buddhist monasteries here. Atish Dipankar was a
famous scholar of Bikrampur region at that time. He went to Tibet to preach Buddhism
in the 11th century.

Sena dynasty
The Senas came to Bengal from Karnataka in the Deccan of India to serve in the Pala
army. Vijaya Sen seized power defeating the weak Pala king Madanapala. Then the
kings were Ballal Sen and Laxman Sen. Vijay Sen and Ballal Sen belonged to the
Shaivite community. Laxman Sen later became a devotee of the Vaishnava community.
Defeating Laxman Sen, the Turkish general Ikhtiyar Uddin Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji
conquered Nadia. However, after Laxman Sen, his two sons Biswaroop Sen and Keshav
Sen ruled the region from Bikrampur for some time.

| Task 1: Make a list of the pre-historic archaeological sites and weapons along with their finding
places,
Task 2 : Make a list of the townships in Bengal.
Task 3 : Make a list of dynasties of Ancient Bengal

We do not know much about the socio-economic, cultural and religious life of ancient
Bangladesh. Limited literary and archaeological sources provide inadequate
information. In the following Lessons, we shall know about the socio-economic,
cultural and religious life of Bangladesh in the ancient times.

Lesson-4 : Glories of Ancient Bangladesh: Society, Economics, Religion


Agriculture: In the Primitive Age, agriculture was the main economic power of
Bangladesh. In that period, paddy was the main crop. Besides, sugarcane was also
produced in plenty. Molasses and sugar, made of sugarcane had reputation. Molasses
and sugar were exported to other countries, bengal had fame for the cultivation of
cotton, mustard seed and betel-leaf. Several types of fruits like coconut, betel-nut,
mango, jackfruit, banana, fig etc. were also remarkable.
2025
Bangladesh & Global Studies 13

Cottage Industry: Since the ancient age, the weavers of Bengal could weave fine
cotton and silk cloth. Our muslin was world famous which was exported to other
countries even then. Besides this, earthen pots, metallic pots and ornaments were
made. Sculpture and statue made from burnt clay were praise-worthy arts of the
Ancient bengal. Stamped silver coins, low precious stones and glass beads were also
produced.

Trade and Commerce: Trade and commerce flourished as there was surplus in
agricultural crops and increase in industrial production. Small markets and shops were
established near the banks of the river. Most of the trade and commerce were done by
river. Uari-Bateshwar and Pundranagor (Mahasthangar) were prosperous river ports.
Besides various ports of India, goods of the then Bengal had been sent to South-
East Asia and Mediterranean region.

Religion and Community: It is anticipated that in the Stone Age, the people of this
area, like the people of other regions, worshipped high mountains, rivers, the
moon, the sun and so on. Under the patronization of the Buddhist rulers for a long
time, Buddhism became the dominating religion. Pala emperors patronized
Buddhism. Religious harmony is identified as a characteristic of the Pala period.

Task-1 : Make a list of the cottage industries of Bangladesh.

Lesson-5: Entertainment, Architecture, Sculpture and Painting


of Ancient Bengal
Entertainment: Dancing, singing, drama, dueling and wrestling were prevalent as
the part of entertainment in Bangladesh in ancient times. Evidence of staging
drama has been found at Paharpur Buddhist Vihara. All the 'Sebadasi’ in the temple
had to be good at dancing, singing and playing musical instruments. The pictures of
Kanshor, kartal, trumpet, lyre, flute, tabor, mritbhando are found inscribed on the
burnt clay slab.

Architecture: Grick-built architecture has been discovered from Mahasthangarh


and Wari-Bateshwar as the most ancient symbol. The people of Bengal excelled in
architecture during the rule Pala Dynasty. Emperor Dharmapala alone is said to
have built 50 Buddhist monasteries.
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14 History of Bangladesh

ba

Maynamati, Cumilla

Sculpture and painting: Terracotta, stone and metal sculptures and statues
discovered from areas like Wari-Bateshwar, Mahasthangarh, Paharpur and
Mainamati give an insight into the art of ancient Bengal. The art style of Gupta and
Pala period sculptures was unique. Two renowned sculptors of the Pala Era,
Dheeman and Beetpal achieved much fame. The greatest artist of the Sena Era was
Shulpani. In various manuscripts of the time, Buddhist gods and goddesses were
depicted through images.

Task-1 : Getting divided in groups, make a list of ancient monuments and sculpture.

Lesson-6: Language, literature and education of the ancient Bengal


Language and Literature:
Written inscriptions engraved on stone and copper sheet have been found from
various places in Bengal. The black stone inscription from Mahasthangarh in Bogura
is the oldest among them. Many inscriptions of the Gupta, Pala and Sena eras have
also been found. The number of scripts issued by the rulers of Southeast Bengal is
also large. From these scripts we get an idea about the language and alphabet of
ancient Bengal. Poet Sandhyakar Nandi wrote the famous book Ramcharit about the
events of Pala era.

Besides this, Charyapada was also composed during the Pala period. Charyapada is
recognized as an ancient testament of Bengali language. Among the Sena kings, Raja
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Ballal Sen composed Danasagar and Advutasagar.


Bangladesh & Global Studies 15

Education:
The education of Bengal, before the Pala Era, cannot be known much about. Seeing
the spread of education in this time, it can be anticipated that education spread in
the Maurya and Gupta Era as well. Each vihara was an educational institution,
especially the Buddhist students studied there. Here, the teachers were called
Acharya or Vikshu, while the students were called Shromon. In the vihara, there was
arrangement for accomodation of the students like today's residential universities. In
viharas, not only religious books but also medicine, grammar, astrology and various
other subjects were taught. From this discussion, it is clear that the people of ancient
Bengal was more advanced in the field of education than many other countries of the
world.

' Task-1 : Make a list of the literary works of pala and sena Era.

Lesson-7 : Bengal during the muslim rule


The medieval period in Bengal began in 1204 AD. The Turkish Muslim general Ikhtiar
Uddin Mohammad Bakhtiar Khalzi defeated king Laxman Sena. Subsequently, the
Turkish Muslim general spread Muslim rule all over Bangladesh. Even before this,
Muslim rule started in India. Delhi was their capital. The generals sent by the emperors
of Delhi started to rule Bengal as administrators. Bengal was far away from Delhi.
Communication was not good at all. Being full of resources, the responsible rulers in
Bengal wanted to run the country independently. Many of them declared
independence against the sultan of Delhi. the whole of bengal became independet
during the reign of sultan Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah.
The independence of Bengal lasted for two hundred years from 1338 AD to 1538 AD.
Two important sultanic dynasties ruled the two hundred years of Bengal's
independent history, One of which is well known as the Ilyas Shahi and the other
Husain Shahi dynasty. Alauddin Hossain Shah was the best ruler of Hossain Shahi
dynasty. In 1526, the Delhi Sultanate came to an end. Then Mughal rule began in India
centered on Delhi. They also tried to take over Bengal. They did not succeed at first.
Afghans had zamindari in Bihar region then. Their famous leader was Sher Khan Shur.
He also sat on the throne of Delhi assuming the title Sher Shah. It was through him
that Afghan rule began in Bengal. Even Mughal Emperor Akbar could not occupy this
country of ours. The big landlords of Bengal were called Twelve Bhuiyan at that time.
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Together they saved Bengal from the Mughals. In 1610 AD during the reign of Emperor
16 History of Bangladesh

Jahangir, general Islam Khan Chishti occupied Bengal. Bengal became a suba or
province under the Mughals after losing its freedom. This rule lasted till 1757 AD.

Task: Prepare a list of rulers of Bengal during the Muslim rule.

Lesson-8: Bengal during the colonial period


The post-medieval period in Bengal is known as the colonial period. This period is
called colonial rule as the colonial British dominated Bengal during this period.
Initially, from 1757, the English East India Company exploited Bengal in various ways.
Then in 1857 the Sepoy Revolution took place. After that, Bengal came directly under
the rule of the queen. The long period from the defeat of Nawab Sirajuddaula in the
Battle of Palashi to India's independence (1757-1947 AD) can be characterized as
colonial rule.

When Nawab Siraj was defeated in the battle of Palashi, the traitor Mir Zafar Ali Khan
became the nominal Nawab of Bengal. Then they put Mir Jafar's son-in-law Mir Qasim
in power. In the beginning, Mir Qasim was obedient but later rebelled against the
British. After he was defeated in the Battle of Boxer, Bengal came under British contral
completely.

Not only Bengal, the entire Indian subcontinent was ruled by the British for almost two
hundred years until 1947 AD. India was initially ruled by the East India Company and
later by Queen Victoria of England. British rulers ruled the Indian subcontinent as the
representative of the Queen. The people of Bengal could not accept their misrule.
They protested against the British rule at various stages. Many movements and
struggles were formed against them, including Fakir Sannyasi Rebellion, Sepoy
Revolution, Titumir's Rebellion, Faraiji Movement, and Indigo Rebellion. Finally, the
famous ‘Quit India’ movement started. The British were forced to leave the Indian
subcontinent in 1947. This resulted in the birth of two independent states, India and
Pakistan.

Pakistan was made up of two distinct regions. The western part of the two
geographically distant territories was called West Pakistan and the eastern part was
ley
called East Pakistan. The ruling power of Pakistan divided into two territories at that oy
=

time was in the hands of West Pakistanis. They also exploited the people of East
Bangladesh & Global Studies 17

Pakistan in many ways. At one point, the people of East Pakistan united in the struggle
for rights. The West Pakistani rulers realized that their hegemony over East Pakistan
could no longer be maintained. On March 25, 1971, the Pakistani army attacked and
started massacre. The people of East Pakistan resisted them. Qn March 26, Major
Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh from the Kalurghat radio
station in Chattogram. Then he declared independence again on March 27 on behalf
of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. On December 16, 1971, a new country,
Bangladesh, was born after nine months of bloody war.

Exercise

Multiple Choice Questions

1. On which date the Victory Day is observed?

a. 21 February c. 17 April

b. 26 March d. 16 December

2. What was the reason for flourishing business in ancient Bangladesh?


a. very hard working people

b. improved economic system

c. highly productive agriculture and industry

d_ sophisticated transportation system

Read the excerpt below and answer question number 3 and 4:

Information-1 : Hand- made wooden and stone axe, chisel,

arrow beard have been found in Narsingdi.


‘Information-2 : Learners of class six of a school in Dhaka went to
Bogura and Narsingdi on a study tour.

Forma-3 Bangladesh & Global Studies, Class-6


18 History of Bangladesh

3. Which age does information-1 indicate?


a. Middle Age c. Copper-Stone Age
b. Modern Age d. Pre-historic Period
4. In information-1 and 2, the learners will observe—
i. Scripts of Pundranagar

ii. Various types of ancient tools

iii. Crops exported abroad.


Which one of the following is correct?
a. j and ii c. ii and iii
b. ij and iii d.i, iiand iii

Creative Questions

Paddy is the main crop. Ready-made garment is exported to the


Paddy grows in plenty. USA by air.

Export goods are shrimp and frog Jute products are admired worldwide.

Figure-1 Figure-2

Which emperor built 50 Buddhist viharas?


What is meant by ‘Tol’?
oo

Like figure-1, explain the glorious sectors of ancient Bangladesh.


Facts mentioned in figure-2 have similarity with the glories of ancient Bangladesh.
a

Give your opinion.

2. Education and culture have been practiced in our country since ancient
times. During the rule of the Gupta era and the Pala dynasty, Bengal flourished in
art, architecture and painting. Instances of such art and culture can be found in
Comilla and Naogaon districts of Bangladesh.
A. Whatis Matsya Nyaya?
b. What does Samatata region mean?
c. Evidences of which period are found in the district mentioned in the
stimulation/stem?
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d. Analyze the role of the Mahavihara mentioned in the stimulation/stem


in the proliferation of the culture and civilization of the country.
Chapter Three
Culture and Society of Bangladesh

Since the dawn of civilization, man has satisfied his demand using nature and
environment. A piece of stone or a branch of a tree became the tool to save him from
the attack of ferocious animals. Hence, the ability to utilize nature has endowed man
with culture which is still continuous. Man realized that the struggle for survival would
be stronger if he lived in society. So, various rules were created in order to organize the
society. Gradually it turned into economics, politics, religion, education etc. For the
amusement, recreation and welfare of the people of the society, man created dance,
song, literature and many other things. As a result, concrete and abstract shapes of
culture were composed.

At the end of this chapter, we will be able to-


* explain the concept of culture;
* explain the elements of Bangladeshi culture;
* explain the characteristics of Bangladeshi culture;
* explain the type of Bangladeshi culture;

« hold and nurture Bngladesh’s own culture in individual and group life.

Lesson- 1: Concept of Culture


Culture is actually the lifestyle of people. Picture of human life is revealed through
culture. All a man does and thinks to preserve his existence and to serve some
purposes are his culture. For example, man eats food to live. When this food is cooked
following various recipe and served with nice decoration, it becomes man's culture.
When man learnt to write, first he wrote curvingon stone or on bark or leaves of trees.
Then, when paper was invented, man began writing with feather sinking in ink.
Gradually man invented paper and started writing on paper, After that man invented
typewriter and started writing with it. Finally man invented computer. Now, many
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people of the world write with computer. The total of all these forms of writing
invented by man is a part of culture.
20 Culture of Bangladesh

Task : “The way of our life is our culture.” Explain.

Lesson-2 : Elements of Bangladeshi Culture


We can see some elements of Bangladeshi culture with our eyes, hold them with
hand. Again, we can neither see nor touch many elements of culture of this country.
For example, we can see the houses built by the people of Bangladesh, but we do not
see the knowledge and skill of building them. From this consideration, the elements
of Bangladeshi culture can also be divided into two kinds, such as- (1) concrete or
visible elements, (2) abstract or invisible elements.

Concrete elements of the culture of this country are various kinds of houses,
furniture, dress, transport, food, farming tools and books. Abstract elements of our
culture are collective knowledge, outlook and attitude, religious belief and sense of
morality, language, alphabet, arts, literature, music, ideals and values, various
branches of knowledge and science etc.

The people of our country created the concrete elements of culture for their own
necessity. These elements can last for hundreds of years. For example, when we visit
the museum, we see many things which are hundred years old. Seeing those, we can
form a concept about man and culture of Bangladesh at that time.

The concrete and abstract elements of our culture are, in no way, isolated from each
other. It is because we get the identity of abstract elements through the concrete
elements. For instance, Nakshi Kantha is a concrete element of Bangladeshi
culture. When flower-leaf, elephant-horse or any scenery is embroidered in it, then it
becomes the manifestation of thoughts of women folk of this country.

Change in one element of Bangladeshi culture brings about changes in other


elements. For example, Saree is an element of culture in Bangladesh. Due to
technological changes, there have been changes in colour and design of saree. Change
is noticed in the fashion of wearing saree as well.

Task : Give examples of concrete and abstract elements of Bangladeshi culture.


2025
Bangladesh & Global Studies 21

Lesson — 3: Pattern of Bangladeshi Culture


Geographical environment, weather, method of production etc. play special role to
build up culture. As a result, culture differs from country to country. Again, many kinds
of culture can develop in a single country. Hence, culture is not stagnant, rather it is
changeable. It is not that the whole culture changes. Some major aspects of culture
remain unchanged for a long time.

Many kinds of culture can be practised within a single country depending on the
characteristics like occupation, gender, age, location, process of production,
education, religion and so on. For instance, rural culture differs from urban culture. In
the geographical environment of the village, there are ponds, rivers, canals, creaks,
mountains, seas, fields spread up to the horizon etc. The occupations like farming,
pisciculture, boatmanship etc. contribute to constructing rural culture. The main food
of Bangladeshi culture, rice and fish, is still an inseparable part of rural food habit.
Many regional songs like Bhaoaya, Bhatiali, Murshidi, Baromasya, Gambhira etc.
reflect the happiness and sorrows of the rural people. At the outset of winter,
arrangement of Jatrapala, after harvest season, still retains the uniqueness of village
in the modern age. On the contrary, geographical environment of the town,
accupation, mechanized life have built up the urban culture. Along with traditional
culture of Bangladesh, here we find modern buildings, plenty of motor cars etc. The
impact of globalization is seen more in the town.

In the same way, people of different occupations form different cultural trends.
Dissimilarity is noticed in celebrating festivals and ceremonies among the lower class,
the middle class and the higher class people. There are also differences between men
and women regarding dress, lifestyle and thoughts.

Since the primitive period, our language culture has developed with the vocabulary
consisting of words from various language groups. Our language style consists of
various language families like Austro-Asian, Dravidian, Tibetan-Burmese, and
Inda-European etc. Later on, our language has borrowed many words and styles from
the colonial rulers like the Dutch, the Portuguese, the French, and the English.

In an overall evaluation, the culture of Bangladesh has been humanitarian from the
very ancient period which we have learnt in the previous lessons. We get its evidence
in many ways. The fair on the occasion of the Chaitra Sankrati bear testimony to our
traditional farming culture. Similarly, various festivals of small ethnic groups, such as
the Garoes' wangala, the Saontals' Sohrai are equal partners of our farming culture.
2025
22 Culture of Bangladesh

The Monipuri dance, the Jhumur dance of a small ethnic group of North Bengal, bottle
dance of he Tripura etc. have enriched our culture. Our national poet Kazi Nazrul
Islam wrote many songs in Jhumur rhythm.

Therefore, we shall constantly practise our cultural variety through receiving,


discarding, refining and developing other cultures, and through changes advance our
culture forward.

Task: Be divided in groups and identify the patterns of Bangladeshi culture.

Exercise

Multiple Choice Questions:


1. Which one is concrete culture?
a. Utensils c. festivals and rituals
b. Dance d. literature
2. The culture of Bangladesh is diverse because—

i. Religious difference
ii. Occupational difference
iii Geographical environment

Which one of the following is correct?

a. i c. iiand iii

b. jandii d. i, ii and iii

Look at figure -1 and figure-2 and answer the questions that follow—

Scinario-1 Scinario-2
a Sa oe It belongs to the young, to the elders
=? ee
It belongs to all
It belongs to the poor
: = It belongs to the destitute, the fakirs
= My country belongs to all.
Bangladesh & Global Studies 23

3. Which aspect of culture has come to light throug scenario-2?


a. Humanism c. Communalism
b. Religious belief d. Racism

4, Scenario-1 and 2 are—


i. Expression of man’s thoughts
ii. One is related to the other
iii. Both of them are manifestation of culture

Which one of the following is correct?

a. i and ii c. ii and iii


b. i and iii d. i, ii and iii

Creative Question

1. Hajera went to village with her [Link] cousin Julekha likes to take panta rice
and fish in her breakfast and listen Bhatiali songs. Hajera got upset when she was
given rice and fish in the breakfast. Becauseshe takes Burgar, parata and omelet
in her breakfast. After finishing her education, she spends her time using Internet.

What is concrete culture?


o

Culture is not static but changeable. -- Explain.


oc

Which culture of Bangladesh is reflected in the Julekha’s case Explain.


ao

Do you notice the impact of globalization in Hajera’s culture? Give your


opinion.
Chapter Four
Economy of Bangladesh

The economy of Bangladesh is mainly agriculture based. Alongside agriculture,


industry, trade and commerce have flourished. In the country, there are some
state-owned industries, railway and road communication etc. At present, garments
industry has developed in our country that is contributing much to our economy. Even
though the inequality in the life of the working people is not eliminated, some positive
changes are coming in their lives as well. No country or nation can survive without
economic development. If unemployment and poverty can be removed from the
country, the people of the country will also be able to lead a better life. We will learn
about that in the lessons of this chapter.

After studying this chapter, we will be able to —

* narrate the economic life of the people of Bangladesh;


* narrate the economic work of village and town;
* compare between rural and urban economy;
* describe the major economic sectors of Bangladesh;
* realize the importance of economic development of Bangladesh;
* explain the prospect of the economy of Bangladesh;
* explain how the population of Bangladesh can be an asset;
* be aware of economic activities and be encouraged to turn myself into a
skilled Manpower,

Lesson- 1 and 2 : Economic Way of Life


The economic work, done by any society or a group of people as livelihood, is called
the economic way of life of that society or population group. Mast of the people of
rural Bangladesh are farmers. They grow crops cultivating the land. They meet their
demand of food with that. They sell a portion of their crops in the market and fulfill the
other needs of the family with the money. Producing surplus crops, they provide food
for the people of the country. In this way, they contribute to the economic
development of the country. In the same way, the economic way of life of the urban
workers, industrialists, officers and businessmen centers round either industry or
commerce.
Bangladesh & Global Studies 25

Rural Economy of Bangladesh


Most of the people of Bangladesh live in villages. Most of the people in the village
dependon agriculture. Agriculture is their main occupation. Even those, who have no land
of their own, work on the land of
others and earn their livelihood.)
That means, several crores of people
of the country depend directly on |
agriculture. That is why, Bangladesh
is called an agro-based country.
Other than agriculture, a section of
the rural people earns their
livelihood as fishermen, weavers,
blacksmiths, potters, carpenters and
Frocers. Some people run small
trades in the village hats and)
bazaars, or in the nearby cities and
towns. The rural economy of
Bangladesh remains dynamic with Potter is making earthen pots
all of them.

At present, modern tools, fertilizers, insecticides and hybrid seeds are being used in
agriculture. As a result, not only the production of crops has increased, but also a new
prospect for rural economy has been created. It has also created environmental
hazards, affecting the overall lifestyle of the village people including education and
health.

Fisherman is fishing Weaver is weaving cloth

Forma-4 Bangladesh & Global Studies, Class-6


26 Economy of Bangladesh

Importance of Rural Economy


The greater portion of our demand for food comes from agriculture and the village
people are the main [Link] main source of industrial raw materials of the
country is rural agricultural sector. That is, trade and commerce and employment
depend mostly on the rural economy. In this way, rural economy is still acting as the
main basis of our national economy.

Urban Economy of Bangladesh


About 30% people of the total population of Bangladesh live in cities. A large number
of people live in capital Dhaka, port city Chattogram, Industrial city Narayanganj and in
Khulna. Apart from these cities, people living in divisional, district and upazilla towns
do jobs in offices, courts, mills and factories, run trade and commerce, drive vehicles,
do domestic work in the houses and serve as day labourers and thus earn their
livelihood. The rich among the city dwellers live in the aristocratic areas. The middle
class and the lower class people live in their own houses or in the rented houses
according to their ability. Besides, a vast number of people live in slums. The number
of floating people is not small in big cities. They spend the night in the footpath, parks,
railway station, launch terminal etc. To survive, they also have to earn some sort of
livelihood. Industrialists, businessmen, service holders, professionals, workers, day
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labourers and slum dwellers, all getting together, keep the urban economic life active.
Bangladesh & Global Studies 27

Garments Factory in the City

Importance of Urban Economy


The difference between the rural and urban way of life is getting reduced to some
extent due to industrialization and urbanization. Interdependence of village and city is
increasing. Now, the village people are more dependent on cities than before for
education, employment, healthcare etc. Everyday lots of people come to cities due to
expansion of urban life, industrialization and in search of work. Moreover, all the rising
rich people live in the city and so the role of urban economy is huge in the net
production. As a result, the role of city people is getting more important in the
national economy day by day.
Task : Mark the importance of economic activities of village and city of Bangladesh.

Lesson-3 : Economic Sectors of Bangladesh


Like other countries of the world, the economic sectors of our country are agriculture,
industry, trade-commerce and service. In addition, the money sent by the immigrants
plays big role in the economy of Bangladesh.
a. Agriculture: From the ancient time, agriculture has been playing a key role in
the economy of Bangladesh. Even today, most of the people depend on agriculture
for their livelihood. Paddy, jute, tea, pulse, robi crops, producing vegetables and
fruits, forest resources, livestock rearing, pisciculture are considered as
agricultural sectors. The contribution of agriculture in our national economy is more
2025

than 20%.
a3 Economy of Bangladesh

b. Industry: This sector includes materials produced in factories, electricity, gas,


mineral resources, construction of building and infrastructure etc. The remarkable
industrial products of Bangladesh are jute and leather products, thread and cloth.
Besides these, there are paper mill, garments industry, furniture workshop, sugar
mill, food processing industry, petrol and chemical industry, medicine industry
etc.

Trade and Commerce: Domestic and foreign trade is the main economic sector.
The buying and selling of products within the country on personal and institutional
initiative is called domestic trade. This domestic trade plays an important role in
keeping the economy of the country vigorous. We import some of the goods to
meet the local demand, just as we export some of the goods producing in plenty
in our country. In this way, foreign currency earned by exporting goods
strengthens our economy.

Service Sector: Service sector plays an important role in the economy of any
country. Education, healthcare, housing, transport or communications,
bank-insurance, public administration, law enforcing agencies are the examples of
service sector. This sector is run by both public and private enterprise. The more a
country is developed and more importance is given on public welfare, the more
vigorous is the service sector there.

Remittances sent by the expatriates: Remittances from expatriate work-


ers play a huge role in the economy of Bangladesh. They are the main pillar of the
country's economy even though the government facilities are not that much for
them. In a modern state, no sector is less important among Agriculture, industry,
business and service sectors. Agriculture sector fulfills the food demand of the
people of the country as well as provides raw material for industry. Industry sector
not only fulfills the needs of food, clothing, medicine, housing etc. but also creates
employment opportunities for the citizens. The business sector earns valuable
foreign exchange from abroad besides making goods available in the domestic
market. The service sector works to improve the quality of life of the people of the
country.

Task-1: Make a list of the service sectors of Bangladesh.


Task-2: Describe the importance of the different economic sectors of Bangladesh.
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Forma-8 Bangladesh & Global Studies, Class-6


Bangladesh & Global Studies 29

Lesson-4; Economic potential of Bangladesh


Bangladesh is a developing country. We have made enough progress in different
economic sectors after the independence. But like other developing countries of the
world, we also have some obstacles or problems on the way to progress. Such as lack
of good governance and democracy, corruption, poverty and lack of education. On the
other hand, Bangladesh has excellent prospect for development. Our huge manpower
and fertile land are prominent among them. We need to identify our problems properly
and solve them. Also we have to fully utilize our potential. We are very fortunate that
our soil, water and huge manpower are a great help in the path of development. Our
people are hard working. The immigrant workers of our country have proved this in
foreign countries. The king of success Bangladesh has earned in the garments sector
has upheld the bright prospect in the way to development.

Road to development
A. Turning Population to Human Resource

We need education and proper training to turn the population into human resource.
Bangladesh is a country of vast population. But rate of education is very low in
comparison to other developed countries. The government's allocation to education is
also inadequate Most of the people are unable to take decision for the lack of education.
We can make our people eager and conscious side by side improving the standard of
their lives by improving proper education. With that we can turn our vast manpower
into human resources by appropriate education.

B. Development of Agriculture
Agriculture is still now our main sector for development of rural Bangladesh. We can
increase the amount of our agriculture production by using modern tools, hybrid
seeds, fertilizer, proper insecticides and expanding irrigation facilities. At this, the
standard of life of our rural people will be improved, environmental pollution will be
reduced and the rural economy will be improved strengthened.

C. Use of Natural Resources


Natural resources such as gas, oil etc. which are still unused should be used in
an alternative way keeping in mind the environment. Use of natural resources
should be ensured by extracting coal and utilizing wind and solar energy. Not
industry, the matter of sustainable development which is useful for the future,
2025

should be thought about.


30 Economy of Bangladesh

D. Expansion of Industries
The potential industrial sectors including garments, medicine, cement and ceramic
have to be expanded. So that these goods can be exported in huge quantity meeting
demands the country with that the quantity of earning our foreign currency will be
increased and economy will also be strengthened.

E. Building of Infra-structures
The management of roads highways, bridges, railways, supplying of water, electricity
and gas has to be improved or expanded. Without this, a country cannot make
progress in the fields of industry, agriculture, trades or service any way. Therefore, we
will have to emphasize on building infra-structures as the condition of economic
development. However, innovations in science should be used to find ways to build
infrastructure with environmental degradation in mind.

F. Planning and Implementation


A far-reaching planning and proper implementation process is necessary for the
economic development of any country. All those who will formulate the plan and
those who will be responsible for its implementation must give priority to the
interests of the country and the protection of nature.

Task-: Mention the potential sectors in the economic development of Bangladesh.

Lesson — 5: Preconditions for Development: Skilled Manpower

Human Resources

Unskilled people do not come to any use of the state or society. On the other hand,
skilled people not only become successful personally but also can speed up the
economic activities of the state. The skilled people turn into economic resources of
the state. On the contrary, the unskilled people are considered as burden of the state.
The skilled people are called human resources.

For example, according to the data of the World Bank (2023), 141 crore 7 lakh and 10
thousand people live in China. All of whom are provided with education, health and
accommodation. As a result, every man in China is contributing to the national
economy. As the Chinese have turned into skilled manpower, the economy of
China is developing rapidly.
2025
Bangladesh & Global Studies 41

Ways of Turning Population into Human Resources

In brief the ways of turning humans into human resources are mentioned below:
a. Providing quality education,

b. To aid in acquiring and applying technical education;

c. To aid in professional training and in acquiring skill;


imparting training in productive work;

Teaching skills to invest in productive work;

To help develop innovative power;


g. Ensuring advanced healthcare and housing;

h. Creating extensive employment opportunities.

If the state can adopt the philosophy of turning its population into a resource, it can
do so through education, health and the establishment of good governance. A country
with a hundred percent skilled manpower cannot remain poor, The development of
that country is in certain.

Exercise

Multiple Choice Questions


1. Which one is one of the main sources of industrial raw materials?
a. Agricultural sector c. Import sector
b. Industrial sector d. Service sector

2. Urban economy is kept active by—


i. the rich, the industrialists and the businessmen

ii. service holders, the middle class and the professionals

iii, the lower class, the workers and the day labourers
Which of the following is correct?

a. ji c. i and iii
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b. iand ii d.i, ii and iii


Economy of Bangladesh

Read the following extract and answer question number 3 and 4—


At Cumilla, Osman Molla, a vegetable farmer, used to sell vegetables in the village. He
had to sell vegetables at a low price because there was not much demand of it in the
village. After the construction of the Meghna Bridge, he sells vegetables commuting
to Dhaka daily. As a result, his income increases three times.

3. What is the main cause of increasing income of Osman Molla?


a. Infrastructural construction — c. taking right decision
b. Agricultural modernization d. implementation of planning

4, That construction is consolidating-

i. economic development
ij. industrial boom
iii. market expansion
Which one of the following is correct?
a. iandii c.
i and iii
b. jiand iii d. i, ji and iii

Creative Questions

1. Ashraf Ali makes leather bags in his factory. In the first year, a small number of his
bags was sold in England. But after three years, a great demand of his products in
the European countries is noticed. On the other hand, his wife Jamila sells more
than a hundred eggs in the market from the farm in the yard. By dint of their joint
effort, they are happy in their family life.

a. What percentage of the population of Bangladesh lives in the urban areas?


Why is Bangladesh called an agricultural country?
c. The features of which economic sector does Mrs. Jamila’s work have affinity
with?
d. Whose economic work between Ashraf Ali and Mrs. Jamila is more helpfulto
economic development? Give reasons for your answer.
2023
Bangladesh & Global Studies 33

2. All of the four sons of Mr. Lokman, a middleclass man, are unemployed. The
eldest son Arman has been sent to Saudi Arabia with borrowed money. There he
got a job in a date garden. He was inspired by seeing the use of knowledge and
technology to grow various fruits including dates on the infertile desert land.
Thinking about backwardness of agriculture in his own country, he came back
home and decided to make a farm with his three brothers. Getting the three
brothers trained from horticulture centre about agricultural production, he and
his three brothers collectively made a farm and got established as a successful
businessman.

a. What is the percentage of the contribution of agriculture in our national

economy?
b. What do you mean by service sector? Explain.
c. With which economy did Mr. Arman get involved returning from Saudi Arabia?
d. ‘All four sons of Mr. Lokman are now human resources.” Evaluate.

Forma-3 Bangladesh & Global Studies, Class-6


Chapter Five
Bangladesh and Her Citizens

There was no existence of state in the primitive world even though man was born
much earlier. There was no idea of citizenship. With the change of time and through
various events, five to six thousand years ago some city states were established on
the banks of rivers and seas. In the ancient time, the idea of state originated from the
system of city states. Modern states have been formed gradually. Population of the
present world is nearly eight billion. All members of this vast population are inhabitants
or citizens of one or the other state. For example, we all are the inhabitants or citizens
of the state named Bangladesh. What a state is, how a stateis formed, what citizens
mean, how citizenship is acquired-we will know all these in this chapter.

At the end of this chapter, we will be able to-


« explain the idea of state;
* explain why Bangladesh is a state;
« explain the idea of citizen and citizenship;
*# describe the system of acquiring the citizenship of Bangladesh;
* compare the system of acquiring citizenship of different countries;
« explain the role of the people for the development of the country.
realize the active role of the citizens in the development of the country.

Lesson-1: Concept of State


State is such an organization that has a definite territory, population, government
and sovereign power. So, it can be said that there are four elements to forma state.
These are population,territory, government and
sovereignty. Without any one of these Population
elements, a state cannot be formed. 1

1. Population
Ternito: State wenn
Population is an important elements of a =m *
state. Population is the soul of a state.
Without population, a state cannot be t
formed. But there is no definite number or Sovereignty
size of a state population. Population of a
state may be small or large. As, in China, the population is 141 crore 7 lakh and 10
rt
thousand. On the other hand, a small country named San Marino has only 33
=my
thousand 8 hundred 60 people.
Bangladesh & Global Stadies 35

2. Territory
Territory is an essential element of a state. Territory means water, land and the sky
over it. However, there is no definite boundary of territory to form a state, It means
that the territory of a state may be very large or very small in size. For example- the
territory of India is about 32,87,263 square kilometers. On the other hand, the total
land areas of Singapore and Vatican City are 693 and 0.18 square kilometers
respectively. Singapore and Vatican City are city states.

3. Government
Government is another important element to form a state. All functions of the state
are performed by the government. The government makes law to maintain peace
and orderof the state and to regulate the people. People abide by all legal order of the
government and express loyalty towards the government.

4, Sovereignty
The most Important element to form a state is sovereignty, With this power, the state can give
any command to anyone in the state and can compel him to carry out the order. Due to
sovereignty, the state remains free from any other state or power.

Task: Make a group discussion with your classmates whether Dhaka and London
can be called states and present it.

Lesson-2: Bangladesh as a State


Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign state.
Bangladesh emerged as an independent and sovereign| 27-2,
country in the world on 16 December 1971 through the| © naness pice
great liberation war and bloody struggle. Bangladesh has| egecun "iesof ap
j
meen ge ea * ee
: ee ae
all the elements required to be a state. Let us know the |tae pag eae ga iad
“hia a Se mane
elements of the state of Bangladesh. eeaeneneh
eee ee ae neeee
rie
ey Ey
epaepetn ye
Population Pek a
minh OOS oe, f sbi
Bangladesh has a vast population. At present, the SOP im ee. Bee
population of Bangladesh is 16 crore 98 lakh 28 or sae ; said
thousand 9 hundred and eleven (source: population sail pad
census, 2022). About half of the population of '.
Bangladesh is female and another half is male. A large
2025

portion of the population of Bangladesh is children. Population of Bangladesh


36 Bangladesh and Her Citizens

Bangladesh is the eight largest populated country of the world.

Territory
Bangladesh has a definite territory. We achieved the sovereignty of this territory
winning independence in 1971. The territory of Bangladesh is extended up to India
on the north, the West Bengal, Asam and Meghalay of India and the Bay of Bengal is
on the south,on the east are India and Myanmar,on the west is West Bengal of India.
This territory consists of many rivers, haors, mountains, forest and vast plain land. Its
area is 1,47,570 square kilometers.

bys fa* pa
F
ieee = Indig
dey a
ental a
eee, eT = :
Map of Bangladesh
af tery = cy India
ae eames ae md
i : My : F
ee " 1

bet 7 TSingj por t Eengper " *

ig ke ory 4
a i 2 India
a. “Sc eabeis a
edhe ld a ie I ba
L. ! : 3 She =
pal y a ‘ Sumas] a “, anes

7 Sapo Seam %* eal * totam 4 ~


#

Bay of Bengal Yeas

Pa 1 * a4a

me woe BL" wz
2023

L 1 n 1

Map of Bangladesh
Bangladesh & Global Studies 37

Government

Bangladesh has cabinet form of government. Its name is ‘Government of the People's
Republic of Bangladesh: It is a democratic government. This government is elected by
the people. People abide by all kinds of rules and regulations, command and
prohibition.

Sovereignty
The state of Bangladesh possesses sovereign power. With the help of this power,
the state controls all people of the country and rules the country being free from the
control of other countries. For this reason, no country can interfere with internal affairs
of Bangladesh.
From the above discussion, we have come to know that Bangladesh has all
characteristics of a state. It has a large population, definite territory, democratic
government and sovereign power.
Task: Make a group and brief a report about population, land and goverment of
bangladesh.

Lesson-3 : Citizen and Concept of Citizenship


The permanentresidents of astate are called [Link],in the past,all inhabitants
of cities were called citizen. At that time, states were formed centering small
cities. These inhabitants of city states were called citizen.

At present, the concept of citizen and


citizenship has been changed. Now, any Four features
of the citizen
person as a member of the state can be Allegianceto
considered a citizen. A citizen must be a the state
permanent inhabitant and must be loyal to
the state. He must think of the welfare of the
‘ P - F to be a permanent to pertonn duties
state and enjoy all social and political rights || sor ofa sae ene
provided by the state. That is, a citizen has
duties and responsibilities towards the state
just as he has social and political rights. to-enjay political and social
nights Frou
the state

A citizen gets citizenship according to the


identity of the state. As the citizens of
Bangladesh, all of us have the identity of Bangladeshi for citizenship. Bangladesh is our
2025

state. So, we are the citizens of Bangladesh.


38 Bangladesh and Her Citizens

Citizen and Foreigners


Besides the inhabitants of own country, many people of different countries also live
in a state, They live for many reasons such as education, business, service etc. They
are known as foreigners. However, they do not live permanently. The foreigners do
not have the loyalty, towards the states where they live. They can enjoy only the
social rights in the state where they live in. But they cannot enjoy any political rights
of the government or state. Hence, the foreigners are not citizens of the state.
Task-1: Identify the difference between a citizen and a foreigners.
Lesson-4: Methods of Acquiring Citizenship
Citizenship is the national identity of the inhabitants or persons. A person gets this
identity centering the state. There are two main ways to get citizenship.
1. Citizenship by birth and a by Bik

2. Citizenship by formal grant acqu iring citizenship

formal grant
Those who acquire citizenship by birth are citizen by birth and those who acquire citizenship
by formal grant are citizen by grant. However, those who acquire citizenship by birth
have to fulfill some conditions imposed by the state.
Acquiring Citizenship by Birth
Acquiring citizenship by birth is based on two principles:
1. Jus Sanguinis and
2. Jus Soli
1. Jus Sanguinis

According to this principle, Citizenship


the child will be the citizen of '
the state where its parents i Y
are citizens. If the child of By Birth By Formal Grant
any parents is born in a t | |
foreign country, he will be
Jus Sanguims | | Jus Soli | | By marriage, purchaging land,
the citizen of the country of
‘ service, language, living, joms
his parents. Most of the armys, good character, high
countries of the world follow capability, political asylum ete,
2025

this principle. According to


Bangladesh & Global Studies 39

this principle, if any child of Japanese or French parents is born in Bangladesh, he will be
the citizen of Japan or France. In the same way, the child of Bangladeshi or Indian
parents, despite their birth in that country, will be the citizen of Bangladesh or India
respectively. Bangladesh, France, Japan, Italy etc. follow this principle.

2. Jus Soli
According to this principle, the child will be the citizen of that country where he is
born, though his parents belong to another country. This principle depends on the
place of birth. According to this principle, if a child of Bangladeshi parents is born in
the United States of America, he will be an American citizen and will get the
citizenship of his parents' country. Not only this, if a child is born ina ship or embassy
of a state, he will be the citizen of that country following this principle. However, very
few countries of the world follow this principle. For example Australia and USA.

Acquiring Citizenship by Formal Grant


In this method, a citizen of one country is to apply for obtaining the citizenship of
another country. A citizen of one country now easily becomes a citizen of one or more
than one countries. It has been possible for obtaining citizenship by formal grant. In
addition to education, job and business, a citizen of one country is to live in another
country for various reasons. A person living in this manner needs to get citizenship of
that country. Then the person applies to the state. Scrutinizing his application, the
state gives the person citizenship permanently on some conditions. After obtaining
citizenship, that person can live in that country permanently. There are some
conditions to achieve citizenship by grant. A person will get citizenship of a state if
he-
marries any citizen of the state;
P

purchases property of that state;


he

lives in that state for long;


oon ew

joins in any job in that state;


knows the language of that country;
ow

joins the army of that state;


bears a good character;
possesses high efficiency;
takes a political asylum.

my A person can achieve citizenship by grant fulfilling one or more conditions


=
my
mentioned above. He will enjoy almost equal facilities like the citizen of that country.
40 Bangladesh and Her Citizens

Dual Citizenship
If a person gets citizenship of two countries, it is called dual citizenship. If a child of
any Bangladeshi parents is born in the USA, he will automatically get citizenship of
that country. On the other hand, he is also a citizen of Bangladesh for having
Bangladeshi parents. In this case, after being adult, he can accept citizenship of any
one of the two countries. But if he desires, he can keep citizenship of both the
countries.

_Task- 1; Discuss the methods of acquiring citizenship.

Lesson-5: Role of Citizens in Developing the country


The relation between state and citizen is inseparable. As there is a state, there are
citizens. Again, the existence of a state is beyond imagination without citizens. If any
citizen performs his duties and responsibilities sincerely, he is considered a good
citizen. He can contribute much to the development of the state. A good citizen can
play an important role in developing the state by his intelligent, conscientious,
self-constraint and dedicated to the state.

As citizens of Bangladesh, We enjoy different types of privileges from the country. In


exchange, we also have some important duties and responsibilities as citizens. For
example, we should be educated, loyal to the state, abide by the laws, pay taxes
regularly, vote for the right candidate, preserve and utilize state property and so on.
We have to perform these duties and responsibilities for the development of the
country.
Ina modern state, the role of citizens is very important. In modern democratic states,
people are owners of absolute power of the state. It is because people help one party
to form the government for a definite tenure. If the government does anything which
is not good for the country, people will not vote for the country the next time.
Therefore, performing state administration, good governance and all types of
development depend on the honesty and efficiency of the citizens. Not only the
government is responsible for the development of the state, citizens also have to
perform their duties perfectly. Then the country will proceed quickly towards
development.

Task: Make a list of the activities you will perform as a citizen for the development
of the country.
2023
Bangladesh & Global Studies 41

Exercise

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Whois the main possessor of the sovereign power of the state?


People c. state
b. Government d. society

2. Government is indispensible for the state—


i. Torun the state
ii. To ensure security of the people
iii. To maintain sovereignty

Which one of the following is correct?

a. iandii c. ii and iii


b. jand iii d. i, ii and iii

Read the passage below and answer question number 3 and 4—


The people of other countries live besides the citizens of own country in the state
named 'A'. As the war started suddenly between 'A' and 'B' states, the people of other
countries returned to their own countries from 'A' state. But the people of 'A' state
took part in the war compulsorily by the order of the government. The ‘A’ state was
captured by the ‘B' state in the war.

3. The citizens of other countries left ‘A’ state because—


i. they are not citizens of ‘A’ state,
ii. the ‘A’ state cannot compel them to join the war.
ili. they are not loyal to ‘A’ state.

Which one of the following is correct—

a. | c. lil
b. fiandiii d.i,
ii, iii
4. Which element of ‘A’ state was lost after the capture of ‘A’ state by ‘B’ state?
a. Population c. Territory
b. Government d. Sovereignty
42 Bangladesh and Her Citizens

Creative Questions

1. Mr. Zakir and Mrs. Afrin couple, getting jobs, has been living in the United States
of America for twenty years. Their child, Swanan, was born there. In that state,
they purchased a business institution from their income. They pay tax to the
government regularly. They abide by the rules and regulations of the country.
They run a fund for the special child. This couple is now the citizen of the USA,

Name the identity for which the citizens get citizenship.


Why are the inhabitants of a state not citizens?
of

Explain the process of acquiring citizenship of Mr. Zakir.


ao

Analyze the difference between the citizenship of Mr. Zakir and Swanan.

Bangladeshi inhabitant Sajib got married to an Australian woman while working in


the marine service in Singapore. He along with his wife was travelling to Australia
by an American ship. Their child, Maria was born in the ship before they reached
Australia. The younger brother of Sajib, Sagar who came to Australia from
Bangladesh for study, could not apply his suffrage in the last election.
a. When was the first Government of Bangladesh formed?
b. What do you mean by dual citizenship?
c. Name the country Maria will be the citizen of. Explain.
d. “Citizenship rights of Sajib and Sagar are different.”Give reasons for your
answer.

2025
Chapter Six
Environment of Bangladesh
Man lives in his own environment. Man is influenced by the elements of natural
environment. With the gradual change of civilization, there has been a change in the
relation between man and nature as well. Various activities of man have resulted in
many environmental problems. The environment is also losing balance. We have a lot
of things to do to prevent environmental problems in order to maintain a balance in
the environment.
mes se

At the end of this chapter, we will be able to-


* explain man’s relation with the environment;
* explain the causes of environmental problems;
* analyze the impacts of environmental problems;
* describe the action planto prevent and control environmental problems in
Bangladesh;
* prepare reports on environmental problems;
* be conscious of the importance of the environment.

Lesson-1: Man and Environment

Man lives in his own environment. His life is affected by the elements of the
environment, Four basic elements of nature are-soil, water, air and light. The sun is the
main source of light and heat. Trees on soil grow up with the help of water, air, heat
and light. On the basis of these elements, man's life on earth has been possible.
At the outset of the creation, man was more dependent on nature. He procured
everything from nature to survive. He selected necessary things from nature to build
houses. He used soil as a man tool of production the fertility of soil increases or
decreases, some times soil decays and the minerals that soil contain also decreases.
The increase ordecrease of the remaining three elements i.e. water, air and heat
make man's life difficult.
2025
44 Environment of Bangladesh

Man came to a stable position starting cultivation. Since then he has tried to conquer
nature. He made vast cultivable land clearing forests and jungles. He produced paddy,
wheat, maize and many other crops. He used some animals making them pet. He
learnt to hunt and cook some of the wild animals. Again, he used hides of some
animals. Even he killed ferocious animals for self-protection. Again, man planted some
trees for his own needs. These trees protect him from different kinds of natural
disasters.

Task- 1: Identify the basic elements of nature.


| Task- 2 : Identify the remarkable aspects in the relation between man and nature.

Lesson-2 and 3 : Environmental Problems : Causes and Effects

Man is a very intelligent being. He has made dams across the rivers using his
knowledge. He has used the current of water to move machines. In this way, he
gradually increased his domination over nature. He made large mills and factories,
built cities and is driving cars and other vehicles. He has increased his comfort by
making air conditioners. All these are making various kinds of sounds. Sound pollution
is harmful to human health, With the increase of population and with the competition
among all to live in luxury, the pressure on the environment is increasing. It can be said
that the balance of man’s life with soil, water, air and heat is being hampered. As a
result, the environment is losing balance. Because of pollution, many children of
Dhaka city are suffering from asthma. In addition, heart disease, cancer, skin disease
and various kinds of allergy are increasing.
Gradually the pressure of huge population is increasing in the cities of the country. The
cities cannot ensure accommodation and other facilities for the excess population. As
a result, the number of slums in the cities is ever on the increase. Besides this, many
swamps of the country are getting ruined for human settlement and for establishing
industrial factories. Sometimes, industrial wastes get mixed with river water and make
it unsuitable for use. It results in the extinction of aquatic biodiversity. In the hilly areas
of Bangladesh, hills are cut to build houses on the mountain slopes and at the foot of
the hills. In addition, sometimes hills are destroyed to make brick fields. All these are
the causes of environmental problems. The increase of various environmental
elements causes the rise of temperature in the atmosphere. The sea level rises
because of global warming. For this reason, many people of the coastal regions, being
marooned, become environment refugee.
Repeated cultivation of the same land reduces normal fertility of the land. Now,
farmers are using chemical fertilizers along with organic fertilizers. To make fertilizer
and to meet man's huge demand of cloth, medicine and various instruments, the
2025

number of factories is increasing. The black smoke, poisonous gases and wastes from
these factories pollute water and air. In addition, temperature is also increasing as an
Bangladesh & Global Studies 45

effect of pollution. Climate has become imbalanced due to the rise of temperature. It
causes excessive rainfall, drought, storm, flood and tsunami.
Again, with the increase of population, their demand is increasing. As a result, trees
are being cut down. Natural forests are disappearing. 50, land erosion and rise of
temperature cannot be prevented. It is even making holes in the ozone layer in the
space which prevents ultra-violate rays of the sun. The use of one type of slow-moving
plastics is being added to this which is causing permanent damage to the environment.

=<

Environmental Problem: Air, Soil and Water Pollution

Uncertain Future

To meet the increasing demand of the people, trees, the unending source of oxygen
are being destroyed.
The expected amount of oxygen level is decreasing everyday
due to the destruction of forests indiscriminately. The supply of essential food,
medicine, fuel, etc. is going to be at risk. The imbalance of oxygen helps to increase
nitrogen, carbon-dioxide and other temperature increasing gases.

To ensure our comfort and luxury, in the same way, we are exhausting various element
of nature including mineral resources, birds and animals, rivers and canals. Many
species of animal which helped us in our struggle for survival have become extinct.
Gradual warming of the globe raises the sea levels by melting the ice in the two poles.
For this reason, the low-lying areas of the coastal countries are feared to be
submerged. Many countries including Bangladesh may be affected.

Task-1: Identify men made environmental problems and their harmful impacts.
Task-2: Explain why the environmental problem of Bangladesh is a concern for the
future generations.

Lesson—4 and 5: Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Environmental


Problem in Bangladesh

People of Bangladesh suffer from various problems because of environmental


problem. Should we let these problems occur? The United Nations has taken many
measures in this regard. Our government has also taken some steps. All of us including
2025

children should be conscious of it. We should bear in mind that--


Forma-7 Bangladesh & Global Studies, Class-6
46 Environment of Bangladesh

We will not cut down trees unnecessarily.


Will stop the use of one time useable plastics.
Will start recycling.
We will not throw garbage anywhere.
We will be conscious of banning movement of the vehicles emitting black
smoke,

We will raise public awareness not to build industrial factories near locality.
We will dispose domestic rubbish in proper place. We shall never dispose solid
waste in the drains.
We will not disturb peace by using microphones unnecessarily.
We will not cause noise pollution inthe areas like hospitals, educational
institutions, libraries and offices.
We will not cut hills.
We will not throw wastes in rivers, canals, lakes or seas.
We will not destroy any natural wealth including forest, hills and rivers.
We will plant trees and take care of them.
We will stay near nature.
We will know the manmade causes of pollution and take preventive measures.
We will give priority on the balance of nature and environment in development
work.
We will consider the balance of environment in selection and use of own food,
dress and other things.

Task: Getting divided into groups, discuss how man is spoiling natural balance, select an
action plan and present it in the class.
2025
Bangladesh & Global Studies 47

Exercise

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the main element of nature?


a. Gas c. Light
b. Forest d. Crops
2. For the increase of population—
i. Number of slums in the city increase
ii. River water gets polluted.
iii, The amount of carbon dioxide increases.

Which one of the following is correct?


a. jandii c. fi and iii
b. iand iii d. i, iiand iii

Read the excerpt below and answer question number 3 and 4—

Azad built up a soap factory in his village cutting trees and filling up ponds, People are
utterly disturbed by the noise of the machine. Azad's uncle, retiring from job, came to
village and advised people to plant trees in open space. He cleaned the muddled
canals to flow water.

3. What are called the activities of Azad?

a. Manmade environmental problems


b. Nature created environmental problems
c. Man's effort to conquer nature
d. Man’s dependence on nature

4. Which one is the result of the activities of Azad’s uncle?

a. The sea level will rise.


b. The fertility of soil will decrease.
c. Soil erosion will increase.
d. Biodiversity
will be saved.
2025
4g Environme
of Bangladesh
nt

Creative Questions

ds

What is the main source of light and heat?


How has man started dominating nature? Explain.
o>

Which problem is reflected in the above picture?


a0

What the children like you can do to solve this problem?

2. Eminent businessman Mr. Monir Hossain lives in a luxurious flat in the aristocratic
areas of Dhaka. His children play music at a loud sound that often disturbs his
neighbours. His apartment building has own generatorto supply electricity.
a. Since when man has tried to conquer nature?
b. How the basic elements of nature affect human life?
c. What type of problem is being electric goods created by the things used by Mr.
Monir Hossain?
d. Do you think you have any responsibility to get rid of this problem? Give your opinion
in the light of the text book.
2023
Chapter Seven
Children’s Growth and Obstacles: Socialization

A child’s growth starts from the family. The child has to adapt to the new environment
after crossing the family boundary. The process of adjusting with new environment
and new situation is called socialization. However, there are a number of obstacles for
a child to grow up in the society. It is very important to overcome these hindrances;
otherwise children have to grow up with mental problems. In this chapter, we will
know about raising children in the society and various obstacles which children have
to face in growing up.

At the end of this chapter, we will be able to-


* explain the idea of the process of socialization and its impact;
# describe the medium and importance of socialization;
* explain the idea, causes and effects of child labour;
« describe what our attitude towards working children should be;
* acquire ability to develop human and social relationship through socialization;
* be conscious of the rights and other things of the working children.

Lesson- 1 : Socialization and Its effects on social Life


We grow up in the society through various processes. We get the identity of social
being. The education we get from the society is our social education. Rules and
regulations, values, beliefs, ideal etc. are included in this education. The process
through which we get social education and become worthy members of the society is
50 Children’s Growth and Obstacles: Socialization

called socialization. Socialization is a life-long process. It continues from the birth of a


child till death.

When a baby is born, the mother fulfills the baby’s initial needs. For this reason,
mother becomes the role model for children. After some time, the child realizes the
presence of its father and other people, and so, the boundary of its social relation
spreads further. Subsequently, the child becomes a social being through different
mediums including neighbours, age-mates, play-mates, class-mates and religious
institutions. Thus, a child acquires several qualities like ideals, values, rules,
responsibilities, duties and tolerance, and is encouraged to play the role as a social
being.
Socialization has a great influence in social life. This process turns a child into a man. It
helps a child develop healthily and nicely. It also helps a child become a worthy citizen.
Socialization makes children responsible members of the society and helps maintain
peace and order in the society. This process teaches children expected manners in the
society. For example, our society expects that all men and women will help and
co-operate each other. lf we become habituated to this, we shall be able to behave in
line with the social expectation. Socialization also develops necessary skills in the life
of children. Using acquired skill, children can face many risks and problems in life.
Task-1: Explain the socialization process of a child.
Task-2: Make a list of the mediums of socialization.
_Task-3: Getting divided into groups, identify and present the impacts of socialization.
Lesson-2 and 3 : Mediums and Importance of Socialization
Several mediums of socialization and their significance are-
Family: Socialization of children begins from family. The characteristic qualities of
children develop in family environment. From the family, children acquire social
anchor teachings like co-operation, tolerance, friendship, brotherhood, self-sacrifice,
love etc. If the relationship between the family members is sweet, the child can grow
up in a good family environment. On the other hand, family turmoil, conflicts,
frictions, fights hinder the normal growth of the child. If family harmony is not prac-
ticed, children cannot learn it. Therefore, the learning of honesty and friendship
should be acquired from the family.
Neighbours: Those who live near our houses are our neighbours. Children of same age
can form a team among their neighbours. Through it, they can learn mutual
co-operation, fellow feeling, equity, unity etc.
Educational Institutions: Besides acquiring knowledge, children learn several social
ideals at educational institutions. These ideals are- sense of discipline, sense of
2025

responsibility, sense of respect, co-operation, sympathy,mutual admiration [Link]


part in different programmes of the educational institutions, children learn
Bangladesh & Global Studies 5]
social etiquettes, manners and values. Children learn about sharing with other
through their education. This helps them develop altruism. Contents of text books
also influence children's manners, Therefore, the role of educational institutions is
very important for socialization.
Class-mates and Play-mates: The role of class-mates and play-mates is not less
important in the socialization of children. Children can acquire leadership quality
mixing with the classomates and play-mates. Listening to the criticism of good and
bad, children learn expected manners. However, bad class-mates and play-mates
instigate children to take part in anti-social activities. So, we have to be careful to
select our class-mates and play-mates.
Religion: Religion is a kind of belief which is expressed through certain rituals and
festivals. The basic principle of every religion is to call individuals to justice and human
welfare and keep them away from injustice and evils. Mosques, temples, churches,
pagodas and other religious institutions influence the people of Muslim, Hindu, Chris-
tian and Buddhist community in many ways. Religion instills social values in human
minds; confers them several qualities like co-operation, dutifulness, justness, sympa-
thy etc. It teaches us to be honest and just. If we follow the religious rules and allow
others to follow their religion, it is possible to maintain harmony with all people
irrespective of caste, colour, creed, male or female.
NMlass Media: The mediums of presenting news, opinion, recreation etc. to the people
are called mass media. Various mass media, such as- newspaper, magazine, radio,
television, movie etc. play an important role in socialization. Newspapers and
magazines provide different information about social values, customs, traditions,
culture and education which contributeto the socialization of children. The radio plays
a role in children's socialization broadcasting recreational and instructive
programmes. Information collected from television plays an active role in socializing
children who can listen and see the programmes simultaneously. Films can also
contribute to socialization if they are not only amusing but also realistic and
educative. This type of movie plays an important role in moulding the attitude of
children. Nowadays, internet plays a vital role in entertaining and socializing children.
Elders should play role to control its use.
Task-1: Identify the role of family in socializing children.
Task-2: Identify the roles of play-mates and class-mates in the socialization of children.

Lesson- 4 and 5: Concept, Causes and Effects of Child Labour


We often notice that many children, instead of going to school, do different types of
work. Again, many other children do many works besides studying at school. However,
every child has to do some works that is not harmful, rather that is helpful for better
living for himself and for his family. For example - a child can help the parents work or
other family members by doing any work. The child is not forced to do these works.
2025

But there are some works which are harmful to children. This type of work is called
53 Children’s Growth and Obstacles: Socialization

child labour. Therefore, Ifthe children face with danger, risk, exploitation and
deprivation in working for earning money, that work is called child labour. In
Bangladesh, child labour is prohibited. Children of our country are doing domestic
work in other people's house, working in different mills and factories, such as- making
churi, biri, battery, shoe etc. Children are also working in chemical factories, lead and
wielding machines. Many children work as helper of bus and tempo. Again, some
other children look for sellable materials from the wastes. But why are they doing all
these works?

There are many reasons for child Jabour. Many guardians are compelled to send
children to work instead of sending them to school because of economic insolvency.
Besides, if parents are sick or separated, sometimes children are compelled to earn
money. Children are in household work or in brick fields as children work at low
wages. In addition, because of devastating natural disasters, many children drop out
from school and work as child labourers. Guardians’ discriminatory treatment towards
male and female children also turns female children into child labourer.
Risky labour is harmful to children’s physical and mental health. Because of excessive
labour, they are attacked with infectious diseases. A kind of mental reaction is created
among the child labourers when they see same age children going to school, playing
and going on an outing with their parents. They also crave for these. So, inferiority
complex in the minds of children results from unfulfilled demand. Children cannot
demonstrate their normal behaviour. They lose their esteem for the society and its
people. A sort of ferocity and aggression is created on the minds of children. These
children may become passionless, fearless and terrible. Development of a child
labourer is affected by malnutrition, sleeplessness and restlessness. We shall refrain
ourselves from harmful and risky labour and help others refrain from it.

Child Labour: Children are breaking bricks


2023

Task : Identify five types of risky child labour and their harmful impacts.
Bangladesh & Global Studies 53

Lesson-6 : Our Attitude towards Child Workers


Many children of your age work in households, mills and factories or at other
workplaces. Many a times, these children do not get their due wages, food and
health facilities. These children do not know what are affection, love and
adoration. Physical and mental tortures are their daily companion. Yet, they
also have their right to grow up.

We should behave well with them. They should be given the scope of education. If any
child works in the household, we have to help him/her. We ourselves can do Some
personal works like arranging house, bed, table and folding dry cloth. It will lessen the
child's pressure of work. If the child falls ill any time, we have to show sympathy
through ensuring medical treatment and taking proper care. In this way, the child will
become our friend. We have to make him/her our play-mate. The child must be
considered a member of our family. It will help the child develop physically and men-
tally. Now think, in how many more ways, we can help these children.

If children grow up in good environment, they will be more responsible to family and
society. Through good behaviour towards these children, we ourselves will become
citizens with human qualities. We will also tell others to behave well with them.

Task: What should be our treatment to house assistants.

Exercise

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does socialization of children begin from?


a. Play-mates c. Neighbours
b. Family d. educational institutions

2. Cause of child labour is—


i. Disobedience of children
ii. Economic hardship of the family
2025

iii. Unrest in the family


54 Children’s Growth and Obstacles: Sovialization

Which one of the following is correct?

a. | and ii c. ii and ili


b. jand iii d. i, ii and iii

Read the following passage and answer question number 3 and 4-


Shuvo lost his way while going for an outing along the friends. A stranger, telling him
to show the way, handed him over some unfamiliar persons from neighbouring
country. Losing Shuvo, parents create extra pressune to build up the youngest son,
Sami in all aspects including education, music and so on.
3. Shuvo is a victim of which problem?
a. Child labour c. Child repression
b. Child trafficking d. child kidnapping
4, The things which may happen to sami is-
i. Be extraordinarily meritorious
ii. Lose of appetite
iii. Lose
of interest in work

Which one of the following is correct?

a. iandii c. jiand iii


b. iand iii d. i, ii and iii

Creative Questions

1. 13- year-old Mohon works in a shoe factory. Working from morning to evening,
he falls ill now and then. 15-year-old Moli works in a house. There she is given
good food, taken for outings, presented dress of her choice during the Eid. She
is also given opportunity to study during leisure.

Which work is suitable for children to live happily?


a2og.

What are the impacts of obstacles in the life of children?


Explain which idea is reflected in Mohon’s work?
2025

Evaluate the behaviours to Moli at her work place.


Bangladesh & Global Studies 53

2, Encouraged by her mother, Mili and her friends organized a club. All members of
the club together help anyone in danger. On the other hand, Mili's brother and
his friends organized an association in which they assembled to read different
newspapers and manazines. They also watch life oriented movies and different
programs, debates etc.

a What is socialization?
b. Which factor is important for the healthy growth of an individual’s mind?
Which medium of socialization is revealed by Mili? Explain.
nm

Do you think that the activities of Mili’s brother and his friends will play an
=

important role in socialization? Give your opinion.


2025
Chapter Eight
Bangladesh and Regional Co-operation

At present in the modern age, no state alone can meet all its needs. From this
necessity, the ideas of regional and international co-operation emerged. Many
international organizations have been formed. One of them is the United Nations. The
United Nations was formed with a view to establishing world peace. Almost all
countries of the world are members of the United Nations. Bangladesh achieved the
membership of the United Nations in 1974. Besides, there are different regional
organizations, such as- SAARC, ASEAN, EU etc. These organizations work collectively
for the interest of their member countries. In class five, we have learnt about different
associate departments of the United Nations. In this chapter, we will know about
different organization of regional cooperation.

At the end of this chapter, we will be able to-


*® explain the importance of regional cooperation;
* mention various aspects of cooperation among the countries of the same region;
* describe the form and activities of remarkable organization for regional
cooperation in the world;
* be encouraged in mutual accord, cooperation, amity and brotherhood.

Lesson-1 and 2 : Importance of Regional Cooperation and Its Areas


In the modern world, countries are dependent on one another. Problems and needs
of different states are different. No state alone can meet all its needs. But if these
needs and problems are not solved, welfare and development of the people of the
countries is not possible. If the neighbouring countries help and co-operate one
another, any problem can be easily solved. For this reason, countries of the same
region mutually co-operate one another. As a result, different organizations of
regional cooperation are formed. Through collective effort, they work for removing
2023

economic, political and commercial obstacles in these regions. Consequently,


development of all parties is attained.
Bangladesh & Glohal Studies 57

Areas of regional Cooperation


There are various areas of regional cooperation. With the passage of time, these areas
are increasing further. However, the remarkable areas of present time are commerce
and industry, security, energy, information technology, agriculture, tourism, sports,
prevention of drugs and smuggling, transportation and communication, development
and exchange of human resources, culture, health and medicare, climate and
environmental development and so on.
Commerce &

ee

Areas of 3
Regional ze
Cooperation

fey 2b

hh &
ha

| Task : Make a list of areasof Regional cooperation. |

Lesson- 3 and 4: Remarkable Organizations for Regional Cooperation


Based on advantage of location, many organizations of regional cooperation have
been formed. In this lesson, we will learn about activities of some remarkable
organizations of regional cooperation.
SAARC
SAARC has been formed by the south Asian countries including GG
Bangladesh. The full name of this organization is South Asian G G G
Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC). In December % &G
1985, SAARC was formed with the enthusiasm of Bangladesh. ¢
Apart from Bangladesh, the other member countries of SAARC 2 e
are-India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and
Afghanistan. In addition, at present Myanmar has been SAARC

Forma-8 Bangladesh & Global Studies, Class-6


58 Bangladesh and Regional Co-operation

attached to this organization as an observer. Though the main target of this


organization is economic cooperation, its working field has spread in all sectors
including social, educational, cultural, communicative and technological
development. The headquarters of the SAARC is situated in Kathmandu, the capital of
Nepal.

Goals and Objectives of SAARC


* To upgrade the life style of the people of SAARC countries;
* To do free trade among the countries of South Asia;
e To introduce welfare economic system;
* To build up self-reliance among the member countries;
e To work for social and cultural development of the region;
« To create mutual negotiation among the SAARC countries removing the
existing disputes and problems.

ASEAN
ASEAN was formed on 08 August 1967 consisting of ten countries
of South East Asia. The full name of the organization is Association
of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The members of this
organization are Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam,
Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore. The headquarter
of ASEAN is situated in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia.

Goals and Purposes of ASEAN


* To work for economic development through collective endeavor;
*« To sustain peace and stability in that region;
* To work for social, cultural, economic and technological cooperation and amity
among the member countries.
*« To organize training and research in professional and vocational fields
among themselves.
* To expand cooperation in agricultural and industrial sectors among the
member countries.

'Task-1 : Show the ASEAN and SAARC countries in the map of Asia.
Task-2 : Make a list of the activities which can be done by SAARC.
Task-3 : Make a list of the activities which can be done by ASEAN.
2025
Bangladesh & Global Studies 59

European Union (EU)


Common Market was formed as the first step of cooperation
among the West European countries. Then the scope of the
Common Market was expanded as European Union (EU). Almost
all countries of Europe are members of this union. The European
Union has started their own currency known as Euro. All the countries of the European
Union use Euro alongside their own currency. Today the member countries can
communicate, settle and carry on trade and commerce from one country to another
freely. The headquarters of the European Union is situated in Brussels, the capital of
Belgium.

Besides there is an inter-governmental organization named G-7. The rich, industrially


developed and influential countries have formed G-7 group. The USA, the UK, Germany,
France, Japan, Canada and Italy are members of this 7-member-organization. This
group not only extends cooperation among the members, but also considers extending
help and support to the developing nations as of ours. Besides, G- 7 also considers and
discusses important global issues like change of environment and climate. It also
discusses to make the world free from poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health and
decides own strategies.
The African countries have formed Organization of African Unity (OAU); the
organization of the Arab countries is the Arab League; the Organization of Islamic
Co-operation (OIC) is the organization of the Muslim countries. Bangladesh attained
the membership of the OIC in 1974. Commonwealth has been formed by the countries
of the British colony which are now independent. Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has
been formed by the countries who are not members of any military association.
Bangladesh is an important member of the Non-Aligned Movement.
In addition, bilateral cooperation agreement is signed between two countries for
mutual cooperation. At present, this type of agreement is on the rise because this
agreement of bilateral cooperation is the most effective one in the field of
cooperation.

Task : Getting divided in groups discuss and present how different countries are
benefited by regional cooperation.

Exercise
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What is the main goal of SAARC?
2025

a. Social cooperation c. Cultural cooperation


b. Economic cooperation d. Educational cooperation
60 Bangladesh and Regional Co-operation

2. What is the name of own currency of EU?


a. Dollar c. Euro
b. Pound d. Rupee
Read the passage below and answer question number 3 and 4;
Japan, the USA and five other countries of the world define the process of helping the
countries like Bangladesh in several important matters including saving the
environment.

3. Inthe excerpt, which organization has been told about?


a. EU c.G-7
b. OAU d. NAM

4, The above mentioned organization is working—


i. For themselves

ii. For least developed countries

iii, For building a world free from poverty and hunger

Which one of the following is correct?

a. iandii c. i and iii


b. ji and iii d. i, ji and iii

Creative Question

1. Rahat's Nepalese friend, Gomez is a student of Dhaka University. As a member of


a cultural delegation of the Government of Bangladesh, Rahat sang in the Art
Academy of Nepal. Rahat went to the house of Gomez while staying in Nepal.
a. What is the full name of ASEAN?
b, What is meant by bilateral agreement? Explain.
c. What type of function of SAARC is performed in Rahat's singing a song
in Nepal? Explain.
d. Besides that work, SAARC works for development in South Asia. Explain.

The End
2023
2025 Academic Year
Six—Bangladesh and Global Studies

For free distribution by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

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