Cultural Differences of Bangladesh
Cultural Differences of Bangladesh
Cultural Differences of Bangladesh
Submitted to:
Professor
Department of Finance
University of Dhaka
Submitted by:
Group no: 05
Section: B
Department of Finance
University of Dhaka
Md Shajahan 21-131
University of Dhaka
Dear Sir,
This is the term paper on “Cultural Differences of Bangladesh” as per the requirement of course
F-521: International Business. Preparing this term paper has been a stimulating experience for
us. It has enabled us to know about the broad picture of our culture.
We sincerely hope that, any unintended error, exclusion or mistake committed by us while
preparing this report will be considered with sympathy.
Sincerely yours
…………………………
Faima Akter
On behalf of group 5
Contents
Executive Summary.........................................................................................................................7
Introduction......................................................................................................................................9
Cultural differences.......................................................................................................................10
Differences in Culture................................................................................................................11
Concept of culture..........................................................................................................................14
Values........................................................................................................................................14
Society.......................................................................................................................................15
Nation State...............................................................................................................................16
Case on relationship among the values, norms, society and the nation state of Bangladesh....17
2. Language of Bangladesh............................................................................................................20
Cultural Change.....................................................................................................................30
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................32
Executive Summary
Culture is an indispensible part of a nation and it shapes the behavior of that nations. This culture
varies from countries to countries. Again culture of a country differs by person to person of that
country. Cultural differences of a country tell us about the characteristics of those people.
Culture of Bangladesh has very old history. It has evolved over the centuries encompasses the
cultural diversity of several social groups of Bangladesh. This report has covered all the cultural
differences of Bangladesh currently existing in this country.
This report will show the differences of culture among the residents of Bangladesh, relationship
among different cultures, main features of culture existing in Bangladesh etc. Main parts of a
country’s culture is values, norms, political views, its language, determinants of culture, social
stratification based on specific features, religious & ethical system, education and last but not the
least workplace behavior. All these things are covered in this report. All the data are collected
from the website and perceived knowledge about our culture.
We have also developed some cases related with cultural view of Bangladesh. These cases will
give a view how a little difference can lead to a significant change over the nation. We will be
also able have the practical knowledge regarding cultural differences of our country. How culture
differences have affected some trade of Bangladesh can be seen in those cases.
Cultural difference of Bangladesh is an important issue for conducting trade in this country. A
basic level of knowledge is required to conduct business smoothly. This report will give an
overall idea about the culture of Bangladesh, so that business people can take proper decision
before offering any product or services to the people of our country.
Origin of the Paper
This report is mainly prepared as part of our course named F-521, International Business. This
report on “Differences of cultural in Bangladesh” was assigned by the course instructor Dr. H.
M. Mosarof Hossain, Professor of Department of Finance, Faculty of Business Studies,
University of Dhaka.
The cultural background of Bangladesh is diverse. The original inhabitants of this area were pre-
Aryan. After words, they were influenced by Aryan thoughts. Again, this culture is influenced by
the ingredients of Muslim culture of Turkey, Arab, Iran and Middle-Asia. Lastly, with the arrival
of the Europeans especially the British, A different cultural trend was set. In this way, in course
of time, our culture gradually developed with the essence of different cultures. If we want to be
introduced to our cultural background, we need to take resort to foreigners. Because of the
climatic condition of Bangladesh, it was not possible to preserve the history of cultural life.
Cultural diversity is based on the idea that cultural identities of each component of a given
population should get equal importance to give a diverse and colorful cultural fabric to a nation.”
But the fact also remains that if anyone were to look closely at Bangladesh, they might overlook
the aspect of diversity because of the following statistics. The country has 80% alluvial plain
land lying at an average elevation of less than 10 meters above sea level and therefore the
landscape may seem to lack diversity. Ninety-eight percent of the people speak Bangla, so
linguistically they are very homogeneous as well. The vast majority of the population of at least
89% is Muslims and most of its inhabitants come from an Aryan-Mongoloid-Dravidian mix.
Therefore, the homogeneity of Bangladeshi people is further fortified. But let us now consider all
the little nuances that make for an interesting mosaic of diversity within this apparently
homogeneous land, which serves as a great melting pot of tolerance, understanding and heritage.
Differences in Culture
Cultural differences are the various beliefs, behaviors, languages, practices and expressions
considered unique to members of a specific ethnicity, race or national origin. Some examples of
cultural differences as they pertain to the workplace include employees who are younger or older
than their co-workers, employees who hold higher degrees than others in the workplace and
individuals who grew up in either metropolitan areas or small towns. It is said that employees
often have more similarities than they do differences, but those differences can sometimes
outweigh the similarities. While these various differences can create a more vibrant office, they
can also lead to more than a few problems resulting from culture clash.
Differences between people within any given nation or culture are much greater than differences
between groups. Education, social standing, religion, personality, belief structure, past
experience, affection shown in the home, and a myriad of other factors will affect human
behavior and culture. Sure, there are differences in approach as to what is considered polite and
appropriate behavior both on and off the job. In some cultures, "yes" means, "I hear you" more
than "I agree." Length of pleasantries and greetings before getting down to business; level of
tolerance for being around someone speaking a foreign (not-understood) language; politeness
measured in terms of gallantry or etiquette (e.g., standing up for a woman who approaches a
table, yielding a seat on the bus to an older person, etc.); and manner of expected dress are all
examples of possible cultural differences and traditions.
There are cultural and ideological differences and it is good to have an understanding about a
culture's customs and ways. Aaron Pun, a Canadian ODC net correspondent, wrote: "In studying
cross cultural differences, we are not looking at individuals but a comparison of one ethnic group
against others. Hence, we are comparing two bell curves and generalization cannot be avoided."
Another correspondent explained the human need to categorize. True and true, but the danger
comes when we act on some of these generalizations, especially when they are based on faulty
observation. Acting on generalizations about such matters as eye contact, personal space, touch,
and interest in participation can have serious negative consequences.
Cross cultural literacy
When you do business internationally, you may assume that all businesspeople have the same
basic understandings. Although you will find a common appreciation for making profits and
reducing costs, you may run across business approaches that surprise you. Diverse cultures have
different business values and practices. A little effort at gaining some cultural literacy can help
you deal successfully with people around the globe.
The Indians greet according to age, therefore the eldest person in the room must be greeted first.
They also believe in greeting and thanking each individual personally when leaving a room. Men
shake hands with men and women with women, while men and women seldom shake hands with
each other.
The Italians are one of the friendliest nations, but don’t let that fool you when it comes to
business. When doing business with the Italians, greetings are enthusiastic, yet very formal until
you are invited to move to a first name basis, then some air-kissing on both cheeks, starting with
the left may also be permitted.
From the examples above, it is clear to see that one has to be careful when conducting business
with many different cultures; we have to take care not to offend each other, yet still make
everyone feel welcome. With all this interaction between different cultures, we may also be
forming an international business culture which may be accepted in all countries at all times.
Another example is the Japanese culture. They take very seriously about having their own
corporations run their country. It is very difficult for outsiders to go business there. Japan has a
very large IT distribution sector and the largest IT distribution corporation that generates $40
billion in revenues headquartered in America is not able to set-up shop in that country. Japanese
culture simply believes that it is best if their corporation, their employees and their stock-holders
benefit from doing business within. It is very interesting because Japan does an amazing job at
selling its products and technology outside. As a matter of fact, they have already successfully
started robotics assistance for the elderly.
Along with differences in etiquette, come differences in attitude, particularly towards things like
workplace confrontation, rules and regulations, and assumed working hours. While some may
consider working long hours a sign of commitment and achievement, others may consider these
extra hours a demonstration of a lack of efficiency of time.
If Bangladesh, there are many foreign companies working here. They follow their own cultures
with the goods practices of ours such as time management, recruitment, salary benefits,
environment protection and many more. For example, Lafarge Holcim is a multinational cement
producer. They are working here for long time. They established their plant in Catak, Sylhet.
Their plant is much more environmentally friendly then local manufacturers. They are using ETF
(Effluent treatment plant) for environmental protection as it required in their home country.
Concept of culture
Culture is a process for identity of living creatures and cultural evolution raises the identity of
society, benefit goes to its individuals. Culture differentiates from group to group (as behavior
changes) though major part remains same as human culture to differentiate from other species.
This gives different identity. For, society‘s culture there is one individual behind who broadens
or establishes the cultural status. Culture had evolved by beliefs, faith, practices, customs, way to
live, art, intelligence, language, food habits, and economy etc. Cultural growth gave identity to
the societies that named, Muslim or Christian or Hindu or Jewish or Buddhist etc. have different
cultures. So, when we come across art, customs etc. we identify what is their culture or which
religion they belong.
Values
Values defined in Business as the collective conceptions of what is considered good, desirable,
and proper or bad, undesirable, and improper in a culture. Some common business values are
fairness, innovations and community involvement. According to M. Haralambos, “A value is a
belief that something is good and desirable”. According to R.K. Mukherjee, “Values are socially
approved desires and goals that are internalized through the process of conditioning, learning or
socialization and that become subjective preferences, standards, and aspirations”. A value is a
shared idea about how something is ranked in terms of desirability, worth or goodness.
Sometimes, it has been interpreted to mean “such standards by means of which the ends of action
are selected”. Sometimes, it has been interpreted to mean “such standards by means of which the
ends of action are selected”. Thus, values are collective conceptions of what is considered good,
desirable, and proper or bad, undesirable, and improper in a culture. Familiar examples of values
are wealth, loyalty, independence, equality, justice, fraternity and friendliness. Familiar examples
of values are wealth, loyalty, independence, equality, justice, fraternity and friendliness. These
are generalized ends consciously pursued by or held up to individuals as being worthwhile in
them. It is not easy to clarify the fundamental values of a given society because of their sheer
breadth.
Society
A society is a grouping of individuals, which is characterized by common interest and may have
distinctive culture and institutions. A "society" may refer to a particular ethnic group, such as the
Nuer, to a nation state, such as Switzerland, or to a broader cultural group, such as Western
society. An organized group of people associated together for religious, benevolent, cultural,
scientific, political, patriotic, or other purposes may also be considered a society. Human beings
are essentially social creatures, with the desire and need to be in close contact with others.
Beginning with the family, human life is one of interdependence and sharing of physical, mental,
and spiritual items. While conflict both within and between societies has been the dominant
feature of human history, all societies strive to maintain harmony within (to ensure the happiness
and safety of their members) and, at least in more recent times, many now seek harmony among
diverse societies in efforts to establish a world of peace and prosperity for all.
Nation State
The nation state is a system of organization in which people with a common identity live inside a
country with firm borders and a single government. The nation state is a system of political,
geographic, and cultural organization, and it is one of the most important parts of your life that
you don't think about. The nation state is held together by its physical boundaries, its
government, and the fact that the people believe they are connected to each other. The
fundamental parts of the nation state are the nation and the state. Let's start with the state. In the
broadest of terms, the state is a body of government. All the rules and laws combine the
government officials and their titles, the physical boundaries and those who define them - these
make up the state. The state is what makes a country run from a political, practical standpoint.
The nation, on the other hand, is the people. The nation is created by a shared belief that the
people inside a country are connected to each other. Whether you live in Cleveland, Denver, or
San Francisco, you still share a connection with other Americans. The idea that people of a
nation are connected to each other is called nationalism. Nation states must also have a shared
national culture. This is often achieved through common language, history, holidays, and
education. Sometimes national culture is a result of similar people living in the same area. In the
United States, the colonists began developing a unique national culture, which led to them
declaring war against England and creating their own government and state. On the other hand,
sometimes the nation state begins as a government and later has to try and create a national
culture. For example, when Mexico became independent from Spain, the country was too large
and fragmented for the people to have developed a national culture. There were dozens of
different identities. It took nearly a century for the Mexican government to develop a sense of
'Mexican-ness', or Mexicanidad in Spanish. The government had to carefully, and intentionally,
selects the moments from history that all Mexicans could unite around. They had to control
language, education, and holidays to make sure that all Mexicans celebrated the same national
culture. Sometimes this meant violent oppression of the people who weren't cooperating.
However, the government knew that without a national culture, the nation state had no real
power, and it would fall back into war and chaos.
Relationship between these on an MNC or FDI
Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage with literature, poetry and music all playing important
roles in Bangladeshi society. Folk art is also very common, with weaving and complex
needlework finding its roots in traditional Bengali culture. More than 85 per cent of
Bangladeshis are Sunni Muslim and the state religion is Islam. Hindus make up 8.5 per cent of
the population, with other religious minorities including Buddhists and Christians also present.
Bangladesh is ethnically homogeneous, with Bengalis comprising 98% of the population.
Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country. Muslims constitute around 87% of the population in
Bangladesh while Hindus and Buddhists are the most significant minorities of the country. That
is why Alcohols or hard drinks are not open in the market of Bangladesh and found illegal if
caught anywhere selling. It seems offensive to major portion of the population which also shows
the contradiction with the values, norms, society and nation’s state of the country.
Case on relationship among the values, norms, society and the nation state of
Bangladesh
Unilever is one of the biggest MNCs in our country. They have always been very much careful
about the cultural perspective of the market they are trying to penetrate. One of their most
successful products still at large in Bangladesh is the brand Fair & Lovely. While branding this
product the used the biggest fear of all the Bengali women which is their beauty. The one thing
that the British empire have been able to establish to the people of this subcontinent is that
fairness means beauty. This is the one of the biggest selling point of the so much popular cream
brand of Unilever, i.e. Fair & Lovely. They have used this cultural phenomenon to such use that
the whole nation looks to it for their beauty and using this cream has become integral to the norm
of so many people of this country. It is very common to hear any mother in both the rural &
urban families to tell their daughter to apply the cream before going out and so much more on
any kind of occasion.
Determinants of cultures in Bangladesh
The culture of Bangladesh evolved through cultural diversity and by the number of social
groups. The traditional outlook of the country intermingle different communities, religions, tribes
and groups within the country. There are some factors that contribute in shaping the overall
culture of a country. For Bangladesh the culture is shaped by the political history and present
background, prevailing economic philosophies of the country, norms, values and practice of the
society that is the social structure of the country, religious views and their domination power,
language and the structure of the education. All the key factors strongly influence the culture of
the country and their way of living. So these factors are important to understand the cultural
differences of the country. The determinants of the culture of the country are further explained
with real life cases and exhibits.
Different districts of the country have developed their own way to speak Bangla. There are some
district who has a very different kinds of language such as Chittagong, Noyakhali, Barishal,
Sylhet, Chapainababganj, Lalmanirhat, Neelphamari are some of the districts that has very
different language than the Bangla language recognized by “Bangla Academy” of Bangladesh.
There are non-verbal communications in every culture. Understanding the nonverbal
communication helps to build a strong liaison with the other party in business.
A case on language differences of Bangladesh
Taking Bata as an example for this purpose and it is owned by Canada. But the products are
mainly manufactured in Switzerland. Bata has a large portion of their investment in Bangladesh.
While doing business in Dhaka they appointed number of managers who are fluent in Bangla and
can attract customer to their shop. It won’t be a problem for the headquarters of Bata to
communicate with the Bangladesh representative having good knowledge of English. But as the
company targets all kinds of customers of the country, they enter the rural area as well. When
entering in Sylhet or Chittagong it will face problem in communicating with the local people as
they have a very different language. Until they appoint anyone from the local habitat to help
them in communicate and understanding the local practices it will be hard for them to do
business in that district.
Social Organization
Social Categories
Social Strata
Stra
tum
Fairly permeable classes based on wealth end political influence existed both in the cities and in
the villages. Traditional Muslim class distinctions had little importance in Bangladesh. The
proscription against marriage between individuals of high-born end low-born families, once an
indicator of the social gap between the two groups, had long ego disappeared; most matrimonial
alliances were based on wealth end power and not on the ties of family distinction, and the same
condition belong to the village. Although Hindu society is formally stratified into caste
categories, caste did not figure prominently in the Bangladeshi Hindu community. About 75
percent of the Hindus in 3znsIadesh belonged to the lower castes, notably namasudras (lesser
cultivators), and the remainder belonged primarily outcaste or untouchable groups. Bangladeshi
Hindus seemed have become part of the mainstream culture without surrendering their religious
and cultural distinctions. Culture Language and Literature more than 95 percent of the people of
Bangladesh speak Bengali which is one of the earliest modem languages. Early Bengali lyrical
form is originated in the 7th century. Its mediaeval period underlined a steady upsurge of poesy,
having strong devotional and romantic overtones. Since the early decades of this century,
modern Bengali literature swept into the mainstream of world culture through the works of such
geniuses as Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath Tagore and the rebel poet Kazi Nazrul
Islam while poet Jasimuddin's austere lyrical anecdotes depicting rural life with its joys, sorrows
and romance which is highly reflected in the social root of every social of Bangladeshi people.
Therefore the culture of the country reflects quite of its social structure. Every bit of it
contributes in the shaping of the social structure, social stratification and the stratum. The
independence war, the social movements and other natural calamities could not stop the nation to
grow bigger and become more beautiful by the social groups.
Islam
90%
Islam 90%
Hinduism 9%
Buddhism .6%
Christianity .3%
Animism .1%
Figure: Data table for religion wise population (Source: World Population Clock)
Bangladesh is a Muslim majority nation with Islam as its state religion of the country professed
by the majority and freedom of religion is guaranteed by its constitution in which it gives equal
rights to all citizens irrespective of religion. There are mainly five types of religions I our
country. They are tabulated below according to their percentage of our total population.
So based on the above table we can say that Islam is the dominating religion here. However in
our country Islamic religion is often heavily mixed with pre Islam folk tradition. Religion plays
very important role in Bangladesh and it shapes many areas of Bangladeshi culture. Many
Bangladeshis prefer their religious identity rather their national identity. It is also mentionable
that Bangladeshis practice a tolerant form of Islam and are generally very accepting of non-
Muslims. So if someone is coming to our country for the purpose of doing business knowledge
about some important principles of Islam is required.
Impact of religion on the legal and policy Framework
Islamic laws play a civil matters pertaining to the Muslim community but there is no formal
implementation of Islamic law. Family law has separate provision for Muslims, Hindus and
Christians. Family laws concerning marriage, divorce, and adoption differ depending on the
religious beliefs of the people involved. For example, under the Muslim family ordinance
females inherit less and have fewer divorce rights than men.
Caste problem is not so common in our country but still there are some communities where this
problem exists. Lower caste people still cannot attend some function of higher caste people
which creates discrimination among the Hindu believers.
In Bangladesh, all citizens must undertake twelve years of compulsory education which consists
of eight years at primary school level and six years at high school level. Primary and secondary
education is financed by the state and free of charge in public schools. Bangladesh conforms
fully to the UN's Education for All (EFA) objectives and the Millennium Development Goals
(MDG) as well as other education-related international declarations. Article 17 of the
Bangladesh Constitution provides that all children receive free and compulsory education.
Cultural norms are also taught indirectly at school. Respects for others, obedience to authority,
honesty, neatness, being on time, and so on are all part of the “hidden curriculum’ of schools.
The use of a grading system also teaches children the value of personal achievement and
competition. From an international business perspective, one important aspect of education is its
role as determinant of national competitive advantage. The availability of a pool of skilled and
educated workers seems to be a major determinant of the likely economic success of a country.
In Bangladesh workplace culture is a bit different from other countries in some aspects that are
stated below:
Here on first meet hand shaking or giving salaam is treated as good gesture in
Bangladesh
Lobbing with the senior officers is treated as one of the ways of getting promotion.
Inter personal relation here in Bangladesh remains though business deal is finished
Cultural Change
Several studies have suggested that economic advancement and globalization may be important
factors in societal change. The culture of societies may also change as they become richer
because economic progress affects a number of other factors, which in turn influence culture.
With regard to globalization, some have argued that advances in transportation and
communication technologies, the dramatic increase in trade that we have witnessed since World
War two. Cultural change regarding Bangladesh is given below:
Income has increased over last 20 years in Bangladesh that lead to cultural changes.
Transactions are happening through online and people are taking it as normal.
These are the changes due to the culture happening in Bangladesh and are regarded as cultural
changes.
The moral view of Bangladesh people who will be their potential customers.
The tenor of relations between management and labor in Bangladesh it’s vital
The manner in which the product is promoted & it should be halal product as it is a
Muslim country.
If these are not maintained in Bangladesh it will cause a great loss for that company. This will
happen due to ill information. To combat the danger of being ill- informed, international
businesses should consider emphasizing local citizens to help them for business in a particular
culture. They must also ensure that home country executives are cosmopolitan enough to
understand how differences in culture affect the practice of international business.