On June 4, 1996 the VSAT base data circuit was commissioned for the first time in the country. Upon VSAT commissioning, internet connectivity was established & its services were made available to the public. After internet was launched, the June 1996 National polls results were made available to the netizens of the world using World Wide Web. This was the first ever usage event of its kind in Bangladesh. The effort was appreciated in many corners especially among the Bangladeshis living abroad. After the introduction of Internet, the use of email increased exponentially owing to point to point direct transmission. Prior to it dialup links were used to communicate to an overseas e-mail server using international phone calls. The uploading & downloading of mails took place using UUCP (Unix-to-Unix copy).

The introduction of Internet did not instantly create a market. At the end of year, there were only two ISPs in the country and the number of users was close to one thousand only. The year 1997 recorded a tremendous growth. The total number of ISPs was more than a dozen and the clientele growth was ten times higher than that of the previous year. Afterward, a few new ISPs started their venture recording a proportionate growth in number of users. However, more liberal Government policies followed in the subsequent years which led to a rapid expansion of this industry, eventually resulting in over 180 registered ISP’s by 2005.

In 2006 Bangladesh got connected to the SEA-ME-WE 4 Submarine cable. After that, many ISPs found the opportunity to connect the submarine cable via Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (Now BTCL). This is the time when number of internet users increased by quite a big margin as bandwidth quality and price became affordable to general individuals. Over the years BTCL reduced the bandwidth price at regular intervals which attract more and more users towards the internet cloud.

Five Elements of Bangladesh Weddings:

Unlike Toronto marriage ceremonies, matchmakers known as Ghotoks, who are normally relatives or friends of both the couple’s families, arrange Bangladesh traditional weddings. These matchmakers facilitate any settlements between the couple. This is where the introduction of the couple to each other is facilitated. By far the most populous in Bangladeshi population who have Bangladesh traditional weddings are the Bengalis tribe. The event takes place in five essential elements; firstly is the groom and bride’s Mehendi Shondha, Gaye Holud for the bride, Gaye Holud for the groom, the Beeya, and finally the Bou Bhaat. Held during separate days, they are a mixture of formal and informal ceremonies. Increasingly gaining popularity, the initial ceremony is informal, where the bride is presented by the groom with a ring, which marks their engagement.

Ceremonies before the Wedding :

During the Mehendi Shondha, the bridal party applies henna on each other, including the bride. This is done for the groom’s family, when in the Gaye Holud; the groom’s family proceeds in a march to the home of the bride’s family. Just like Toronto weddings, the groom is not present in this procession. This convoy traditionally revolves around the bride’s younger friends and relatives, who are all wearing matching traditional outfits that are mostly orange. The henna applied to the bride is in intricate and abstract designs, upon her feet and hands. The bride sits on a dais, where all involved feed her with sweets, gradually.

Following the events of Gaye Holud, the actual Bangladesh traditional weddings or Beeye, is held. The arrangement of this marriage ceremony is conducted by the family of the bride. On the day of the Bangladesh traditional weddings, the younger bridal family members barricade the venue’s entrance and demand an admission offering from the groom for letting him into the venue, following which he proceeds to sit separately from the bride. This is so that a government approved wedding authorizer, known as a Kazi, accompanied by witnesses and the parents of the bride and groom ask the groom and bride respectively for their consents to the wedding. Just like Toronto weddings, they also hold reception parties. The reception called Bou Bhaat, is facilitated by the family of the groom as a return gesture for the wedding ceremony, and features a more relaxed atmosphere, and at which different ceremonial attire is worn.

Traditional Wedding Feasts:

Feasts for the guests are essential features of Bangladesh traditional weddings. Just like Toronto weddings, guests bring with them gifts for the couple. Depending on the resources of the parents of the couple, guests may range from fifty to five thousand, with wedding menus featuring sweets such as payesh and zarda, salads, spiced yoghurt’s burhani, biryani made of chicken and mutton, mutton rezala, roast chicken, and beef kebab. The Hindu ceremonies consist of menus including sweetened yoghurt, uncastrated goat meat’s curry, fish curry, vegetable dishes, and plain rice. In some areas such as Chittagong, these feasts can last for days. Unlike Toronto ceremonies, bride price, or dowry is payable in both Muslim and Hindu communities, and a dearth of good brides and grooms determine which family should pay dowry and which side should receive it, and how much it should be.

The traditional music of Bangladesh is very much the same as that of the Indian sub-continent. The music in Bangladesh can be divided into three main categories: classical, modern and folk. Both vocal and instrumental classical music is enjoyed in Bangladesh. Ustad Ayet Ali Khan and Ustad Alauddin are two famous classical instrumental players that are internationally known. Modern music is becoming more popular and is practiced widely. Contemporary, pop songs and bands are also enjoying more widespread fame, but are mainly popular in the regions of Dhaka City.

Tribal dances are very popular among the Bangalees. The countryside girls are in the habit of dancing to popular folk music. Their dances require no regulations as such, just a small amount of courage and a big amount of rhythm. Popular songs like Shari and Jari are presented with the accompanying dance of both male and female performers.

Drama and theatre is an old tradition that is very popular in Bangladesh. More than a dozen theater groups in Dhaka City have been regularly staging locally written plays for hundreds of years. Many have also started adopted some plays from European writers. Baily Road in Dhaka is known as “Natak Para” and this is one location where drama shows are regularly held. Many shows are also held at the Dhaka University. While Bangladesh might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it certainly makes for unforgettable travel. The country might not be heavily developed in terms of hotels, shops and conveniences, but it still has lots to offer. Most of the attractions here have to do with the incredible natural wealth of the country.