Bangladeshis are historically descendants of various races and nationalities. An Austro-Asian race first inhabited this region followed by Dravidians and Aryans. There was a sizeable influx of Mongolians from Tibet in China and Myanmar. The Arab Muslims started coming in the early ninth century. Persians, Armenians, Turks, Afghans and lastly, the Mughals came in quick succession. Notwithstanding the diverse racial mix, Bangladeshis, by and large, are a homogenous nation. From the demographic point of view, Bangladesh is the ninth largest and one of the most densely populated countries in the world. According to an official estimate, the country’s population stood at 128.1 million in January 1999. Over 88% of the population are Muslims. Hindus are the largest minority group (nearly 10%) followed by Buddhists, Christians and a few other sects. Bangladesh is viewed as a model of religious tolerance and harmony. The birth rate in 1999 was 2.67%; percentage of adult literacy rate is approximately 59 and urban population constitutes over 20% of the population; life expectancy at birth is 59.5 years.
The people of Bangladesh are essentially simple in nature. Since time immemorial they are noted for their valour and resilience as well as hospitality and friendliness. Generally speaking, fish, rice and lentil constitute the main diet of the masses. More than sixty-three (63.2%) percent of the labour force is employed in agriculture and the rest in the industrial and service sectors. Women in increasing numbers are joining the country’s workforce, both in the formal and informal sectors. Bangla is the official language. English is also used and understood in the urban areas. Bangladeshis are traditionally hard working. The country has also a sizeable number of tribal people, mostly of Mongoloid origin. The majority of them live in the Chittagong Hill Districts.