Historical Dictionary of Bangladesh

by Syedur Rahman

Overview

Bangladesh (literally, the land of the Bengalis) is the most recent addition (in 1971) to the independent nations of South Asia. It had previously been known as East Pakistan, and prior to that it was part of British India. It has been inhabited by people of different races and religions and ruled over by different leaders who imposed different regimes. It is overpopulated and underdeveloped, but there is much more to it than that. Bangladesh has a long and oftentimes proud tradition: it has produced writers and artists of genius, and it is an important outpost of Islam. And, with a population of some 130 million, it is one of the larger countries in the world.

The fourth edition of the Historical Dictionary of Bangladesh greatly expands on the previous edition through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 700 cross-referenced dictionary entries on important people, places, events, and institutions, as well as significant political, economic, social, and cultural aspects.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810867666
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/27/2010
Series:	Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East , #75
Edition description:	Fourth Edition
Pages:	510
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.60(h) x 1.60(d)

About the Author

Syedur Rahman is retired director of international programs in the College of Education at The Pennsylvania State University. He was president of the American Institute of Bangladesh Studies, 1998-2005.

Editorial Reviews

Historical Dictionary of Bangladesh, now in its fourth edition, is part of the publisher’s Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East series. This edition differs from the previous three in that instead of emphasizing pre- and postcolonial periods, including the Pakistan era, it looks at the events and personalities that make Bangladesh what it is today. Identical to the other editions in its arrangement, the volume begins with a chronology from 1500 BC right up to events in the last quarter of 2009. The 36 page introduction provides an overview of the land and people, early history, Islamic rule, Pakistan period, independence, and the new democratic system. What follows is the major section, an A–Z compilation of subject and name entries important to the development of Bangladesh throughout its history. The entries run from short dictionary-like definitions to much longer ones, such as those that touch on Elections and Militancy. Appendixes list rulers of pre-Muslim dynasties, principal government officers since 1971, and more. One interesting appendix is dedicated to Swadhinata Padak (Independence Day Award) winners, 1977–2008. A large bibliography completes the book. As this country of 130 million is one of the more populous on earth, it is important that the dictionary has been updated. Still a welcome addition to reference collections in academic libraries and large public.

Booklist

Those persons unfamiliar with this nation should read the extensive introduction to get an overview of its politics and history….This sturdily bound title is recommended only for academic and large public libraries, and those institutions serving populations with ties to that area.

American Reference Books Annual

Those persons unfamiliar with this nation should read the extensive introduction to get an overview of its politics and history….This sturdily bound title is recommended only for academic and large public libraries, and those institutions serving populations with ties to that area.

May-August 2010 American Reference Books Annual

Historical Dictionary of Bangladesh, now in its fourth edition, is part of the publisher’s Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East series. This edition differs from the previous three in that instead of emphasizing pre- and postcolonial periods, including the Pakistan era, it looks at the events and personalities that make Bangladesh what it is today. Identical to the other editions in its arrangement, the volume begins with a chronology from 1500 BC right up to events in the last quarter of 2009. The 36 page introduction provides an overview of the land and people, early history, Islamic rule, Pakistan period, independence, and the new democratic system. What follows is the major section, an A–Z compilation of subject and name entries important to the development of Bangladesh throughout its history. The entries run from short dictionary-like definitions to much longer ones, such as those that touch on Elections and Militancy. Appendixes list rulers of pre-Muslim dynasties, principal government officers since 1971, and more. One interesting appendix is dedicated to Swadhinata Padak (Independence Day Award) winners, 1977–2008. A large bibliography completes the book. As this country of 130 million is one of the more populous on earth, it is important that the dictionary has been updated. Still a welcome addition to reference collections in academic libraries and large public.

Booklist