India and Bangladesh

Majority of the Bangladeshis follow Islam. Hindus, Buddhists and Christians constitute a minority. Bangla or Bengali is the chief language spoken by the people of Bangladesh. Urdu is popularly amongst the Muslim community of both the countries.

A great number of Bengali writers and artists worked in Calcutta in India and have been widely appreciated by both Bangladeshis and Indians. Popular amongst the Bangladeshi artists in India is the renowned singer Runa Laila, who has contributed to Indian cinema as a playback singer. The great works of Indian artist, philosopher, educationist and literary laureate Rabindranath Tagore has influenced the Bangla culture in Bangladesh and India. His compositions have bestowed the image of Bangla heritage amongst the people of the world.

Diet among the Bangladeshis is similar to coastal India. Rice with`fish, prawns and other seafoods form the staple food. Like Indian women, Bangladeshi women wear sarees and salwar kameez. Cotton textiles are popular in Bangladesh as much as in India. Some of the traditions associated with weddings and festivities are common to both the countries. Cricket and football are popular games among Bangladeshis and Indians.

India majorly exports cotton yarn fabrics, agricultural and allied products, ores and minerals, manufactured goods, leather, chemicals, engineering goods and readymade garments to Bangladesh. India imports raw jute, seafood and clothing from Bangladesh.