Bangladesh: Difference between revisions

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Bangladesh, officially called the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, is a country located in South Asia. It is the eighth most populous nation in the world and also one of the most densely populated, with more than 171 million people living in an area of about '''148,460 square kilometres 57,320 sq mi'''. The country is bordered by India on the north, west, and east, and by Myanmar (Burma) on the southeast. Its southern boundary touches the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh is close to Bhutan and Nepal, separated by the narrow Siliguri Corridor, and China lies beyond India’s state of Sikkim to the north. The capital and largest city is Dhaka, which serves as the center of politics, business, and culture. Chittagong is the second-largest city and the country’s main seaport. The area that is now '''Bangladesh''' has a long and rich history. In ancient times, it was home to powerful '''Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms'''. After the '''Muslim conquest of 1204''', the region came under '''Sultanate''' and later '''Mughal''' control. During the Mughal era, especially under '''Bengal Subah''', the region became famous for its '''economic prosperity''', flourishing '''textile trade''', and fertile '''agriculture''', making it one of the wealthiest provinces of the empire. The '''Battle of Plassey''' in '''1757''' marked the start of '''British colonial rule''', which lasted for about two centuries. When '''British India was partitioned in 1947''', the eastern part of Bengal became '''East Bengal''', the most populous region of '''Pakistan''', and was later renamed '''East Pakistan'''. After more than twenty years of political discrimination and systemic inequality under the '''West Pakistan–dominated government''', tensions in '''East Pakistan''' escalated into a '''civil war in 1971''', eventually transforming into a '''war of independence'''. The '''Mukti Bahini''', with crucial support from '''India''', launched a successful armed struggle. Despite the '''genocide''' carried out by Pakistani forces, '''Bangladesh achieved independence on 16 December 1971'''.In the years following independence, ~~'''~~Sheikh Mujibur Rahman~~'''~~ became the nation’s first leader but was '''assassinated in 1975'''. Power later shifted to '''Ziaur Rahman''', who was also '''killed in 1981'''. The '''1980s''' were marked by the '''authoritarian rule of Hussain Muhammad Ershad''', which ended after a '''mass uprising in 1990'''. Democracy was restored in '''1991''', and for the next thirty years, national politics was shaped by the rivalry between ~~'''~~Khaleda Zia~~'''~~ and '''Sheikh Hasina''', often referred to as the '''Battle of the Begums.''' In '''August 2024''', a '''student-led mass movement''' forced '''Hasina from power''', and an '''interim government''' headed by '''Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus''' took control.

Bangladesh, officially called the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, is a country located in South Asia. It is the eighth most populous nation in the world and also one of the most densely populated, with more than 171 million people living in an area of about '''148,460 square kilometres 57,320 sq mi'''. The country is bordered by India on the north, west, and east, and by Myanmar (Burma) on the southeast. Its southern boundary touches the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh is close to Bhutan and Nepal, separated by the narrow Siliguri Corridor, and China lies beyond India’s state of Sikkim to the north. The capital and largest city is Dhaka, which serves as the center of politics, business, and culture. Chittagong is the second-largest city and the country’s main seaport. The area that is now '''Bangladesh''' has a long and rich history. In ancient times, it was home to powerful '''Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms'''. After the '''Muslim conquest of 1204''', the region came under '''Sultanate''' and later '''Mughal''' control. During the Mughal era, especially under '''Bengal Subah''', the region became famous for its '''economic prosperity''', flourishing '''textile trade''', and fertile '''agriculture''', making it one of the wealthiest provinces of the empire. The '''Battle of Plassey''' in '''1757''' marked the start of '''British colonial rule''', which lasted for about two centuries. When '''British India was partitioned in 1947''', the eastern part of Bengal became '''East Bengal''', the most populous region of '''Pakistan''', and was later renamed '''East Pakistan'''. After more than twenty years of political discrimination and systemic inequality under the '''West Pakistan–dominated government''', tensions in '''East Pakistan''' escalated into a '''civil war in 1971''', eventually transforming into a '''war of independence'''. The '''Mukti Bahini''', with crucial support from '''India''', launched a successful armed struggle. Despite the '''genocide''' carried out by Pakistani forces, '''Bangladesh achieved independence on 16 December 1971'''.In the years following independence, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the nation’s first leader but was '''assassinated in 1975'''. Power later shifted to '''Ziaur Rahman''', who was also '''killed in 1981'''. The '''1980s''' were marked by the '''authoritarian rule of Hussain Muhammad Ershad''', which ended after a '''mass uprising in 1990'''. Democracy was restored in '''1991''', and for the next thirty years, national politics was shaped by the rivalry between Khaleda Zia and '''Sheikh Hasina''', often referred to as the '''Battle of the Begums.''' In '''August 2024''', a '''student-led mass movement''' forced '''Hasina from power''', and an '''interim government''' headed by '''Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus''' took control.

=== Etymology ===

The name '''Bangladesh''', which translates to ''Land of Bengal,'' has its roots in the early 20th century. The word was popularized through '''Bengali patriotic songs''', including ''Aaji Bangladesher Hridoy'' by '''Rabindranath Tagore''' in '''1905''' and ''“Namo Namo Namo Bangladesh Momo”'' by '''Kazi Nazrul Islam''' in '''1932'''. In the '''1950s''', Bengali nationalists began using the term more widely during political movements in what was then '''East Pakistan'''. The word '''Bangla''' is an ancient and widely used name referring to both the '''Bengal region''' and the Bengali language. Its exact origin is uncertain. Some historians believe it comes from a '''Bronze Age proto-Dravidian tribe''', while others trace it back to the '''Vanga Kingdom''' of the Iron Age. The '''earliest recorded use''' of “Bangla” dates to '''805 AD''' on the '''Nesari plate'''. The phrase '''Vangala Desa''' (meaning land of Vangala”) also appears in 11th-century South Indian inscriptions.

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Democracy was restored in 1991. Power alternated between '''Khaleda Zia''' BNP and '''Sheikh Hasina''' Awami League for decades. This period is often called the '''Battle of the Begums.''' While the country made progress in development and governance reforms, political instability and corruption remained persistent problems. Sheikh Hasina’s Long Rule 2009–2024The Awami League returned to power with a '''landslide victory in the 2008 elections'''. Under '''Sheikh Hasina''', Bangladesh experienced rapid '''economic growth''' and '''infrastructure expansion''', but also '''democratic backsliding''', '''increasing authoritarianism''', and '''widespread corruption'''.

Sheikh Hasina won three more consecutive elections in '''2014, 2018, and 2024''', all widely criticized as neither free nor fair. Massive '''student-led protests''' in 2024 forced her to '''resign and flee to India''' on '''5 August 2024'''. An '''interim government''' was formed on '''8 August 2024''', led by '''Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus''' as Chief Adviser. Economic Growth and Development Since the 1980s, economic liberalization and free-market policies have turned Bangladesh into one of the ~~'''~~fastest-growing economies in the world'''. The '''textile and garment sector''', the second-largest globally, has been a major growth driver.

Sheikh Hasina won three more consecutive elections in '''2014, 2018, and 2024''', all widely criticized as neither free nor fair. Massive '''student-led protests''' in 2024 forced her to '''resign and flee to India''' on '''5 August 2024'''. An '''interim government''' was formed on '''8 August 2024''', led by '''Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus''' as Chief Adviser. Economic Growth and Development Since the 1980s, economic liberalization and free-market policies have turned Bangladesh into one of the fastest-growing economies in the '''world'''. The '''textile and garment sector''', the second-largest globally, has been a major growth driver.

* Bangladesh is now the '''second-largest economy in South Asia'''.

* Poverty rates fell from '''80% in 1971''' to '''18.7% in 2022'''.

* Its '''Human Development Index''' grew rapidly, second only to China in the 21st century.

* It became a ~~'''~~global leader in green manufacturing~~'''~~, hosting the world’s largest number of certified green factories.

* It became a global leader in green manufacturing, hosting the world’s largest number of certified green factories.

=== Geography ===

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Bangladesh is situated within the '''Indomalayan realm''' and contains four major terrestrial ecoregions the '''Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests''', '''Mizoram–Manipur–Kachin rain forests''', '''Sundarbans freshwater swamp forests''', and '''Sundarbans mangroves'''. The country’s ecology is diverse, featuring a long coastline, countless rivers and tributaries, wetlands, evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, hill forests, freshwater swamps, and fertile alluvial plains. Its lush vegetation includes groves of mango, jackfruit, bamboo, betel nut, coconut, and date palm trees. Bangladesh is home to around '''6,000 plant species''', including about '''5,000 flowering plants''', with water lilies and lotuses blooming beautifully during the monsoon. The country also has '''50 wildlife sanctuaries''', reflecting its rich natural heritage. A significant portion of Bangladesh’s biodiversity is concentrated in the '''Sundarbans''', the world’s largest '''mangrove forest''', covering '''6,000 km²''' in the southwest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is divided into three protected zones South, East, and West and serves as a crucial habitat for many species. Other notable ecosystems include the '''haor wetlands''' in Sylhet, tropical and subtropical forests, the evergreen and semi-evergreen hills of Chittagong, and the plainland '''Sal forests''' of central Bangladesh. '''St. Martin’s Island''' hosts the country’s only coral reef.

Bangladesh supports abundant wildlife across its '''forests, wetlands, woodlands, and hills''', covering a habitat area of about '''150,000 km²'''. Iconic species in the Sundarbans include the '''Bengal tiger''', '''clouded leopard''', '''saltwater crocodile''', '''black panther''', and '''fishing cat'''. The northern and eastern regions provide habitats for the '''Asian elephant''', '''hoolock gibbon''', '''Asian black bear''', and '''oriental pied hornbill''', while '''chital deer''' are common in the southwest. Other notable species include black giant squirrels, capped langurs, Bengal foxes, sambar deer, king cobras, pythons, mongooses, pangolins, and water monitors. Bangladesh also has one of the '''largest populations of Irrawaddy and Ganges river dolphins'''. In total, the country is home to '''53 species of amphibians''', '''139 reptiles''', '''19 marine reptiles''', '''5 marine mammals''', and '''628 species of birds'''. Some species, such as the '''one-horned and two-horned rhinoceros''' and the '''common peafowl''', have become extinct in Bangladesh over the past century. While urbanization has concentrated human populations in cities, helping to limit some deforestation, '''rapid development has threatened many natural habitats'''. Environmental issues such as '''industrial river pollution''' notably in the Dhaleshwari River and '''shrimp farming in the Chakaria Sundarbans''' have been described as '''ecocides'''. In response, Bangladesh has introduced several conservation measures. The '''~~Bangladesh Environment~~ Conservation Act of 1995''' and the designation of ~~'''~~Ecologically Critical Areas~~'''~~ aim to protect wetlands, forests, and rivers. The '''Sundarbans Tiger Project''' and the '''Bangladesh Bear Project''' are key wildlife protection initiatives. Bangladesh ratified the '''Rio Convention on Biological Diversity''' on '''3 May 1994''' and continues to update its '''National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan''' to strengthen conservation efforts.

Bangladesh supports abundant wildlife across its '''forests, wetlands, woodlands, and hills''', covering a habitat area of about '''150,000 km²'''. Iconic species in the Sundarbans include the '''Bengal tiger''', '''clouded leopard''', '''saltwater crocodile''', '''black panther''', and '''fishing cat'''. The northern and eastern regions provide habitats for the '''Asian elephant''', '''hoolock gibbon''', '''Asian black bear''', and '''oriental pied hornbill''', while '''chital deer''' are common in the southwest. Other notable species include black giant squirrels, capped langurs, Bengal foxes, sambar deer, king cobras, pythons, mongooses, pangolins, and water monitors. Bangladesh also has one of the '''largest populations of Irrawaddy and Ganges river dolphins'''. In total, the country is home to '''53 species of amphibians''', '''139 reptiles''', '''19 marine reptiles''', '''5 marine mammals''', and '''628 species of birds'''. Some species, such as the '''one-horned and two-horned rhinoceros''' and the '''common peafowl''', have become extinct in Bangladesh over the past century. While urbanization has concentrated human populations in cities, helping to limit some deforestation, '''rapid development has threatened many natural habitats'''. Environmental issues such as '''industrial river pollution''' notably in the Dhaleshwari River and '''shrimp farming in the Chakaria Sundarbans''' have been described as '''ecocides'''. In response, Bangladesh has introduced several conservation measures. The Bangladesh Environment '''Conservation Act of 1995''' and the designation of Ecologically Critical Areas aim to protect wetlands, forests, and rivers. The '''Sundarbans Tiger Project''' and the '''Bangladesh Bear Project''' are key wildlife protection initiatives. Bangladesh ratified the '''Rio Convention on Biological Diversity''' on '''3 May 1994''' and continues to update its '''National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan''' to strengthen conservation efforts.

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-Bangladesh, officially called the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, is a country located in South Asia. It is the eighth most populous nation in the world and also one of the most densely populated, with more than 171 million people living in an area of about '''148,460 square kilometres 57,320 sq mi'''. The country is bordered by India on the north, west, and east, and by Myanmar (Burma) on the southeast. Its southern boundary touches the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh is close to Bhutan and Nepal, separated by the narrow Siliguri Corridor, and China lies beyond India’s state of Sikkim to the north. The capital and largest city is Dhaka, which serves as the center of politics, business, and culture. Chittagong is the second-largest city and the country’s main seaport. The area that is now '''Bangladesh''' has a long and rich history. In ancient times, it was home to powerful '''Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms'''. After the '''Muslim conquest of 1204''', the region came under '''Sultanate''' and later '''Mughal''' control. During the Mughal era, especially under '''Bengal Subah''', the region became famous for its '''economic prosperity''', flourishing '''textile trade''', and fertile '''agriculture''', making it one of the wealthiest provinces of the empire. The '''Battle of Plassey''' in '''1757''' marked the start of '''British colonial rule''', which lasted for about two centuries. When '''British India was partitioned in 1947''', the eastern part of Bengal became '''East Bengal''', the most populous region of '''Pakistan''', and was later renamed '''East Pakistan'''. After more than twenty years of political discrimination and systemic inequality under the '''West Pakistan–dominated government''', tensions in '''East Pakistan''' escalated into a '''civil war in 1971''', eventually transforming into a '''war of independence'''. The '''Mukti Bahini''', with crucial support from '''India''', launched a successful armed struggle. Despite the '''genocide''' carried out by Pakistani forces, '''Bangladesh achieved independence on 16 December 1971'''.In the years following independence, '''Sheikh Mujibur Rahman''' became the nation’s first leader but was '''assassinated in 1975'''. Power later shifted to '''Ziaur Rahman''', who was also '''killed in 1981'''. The '''1980s''' were marked by the '''authoritarian rule of Hussain Muhammad Ershad''', which ended after a '''mass uprising in 1990'''. Democracy was restored in '''1991''', and for the next thirty years, national politics was shaped by the rivalry between '''Khaleda Zia''' and '''Sheikh Hasina''', often referred to as the '''Battle of the Begums.''' In '''August 2024''', a '''student-led mass movement''' forced '''Hasina from power''', and an '''interim government''' headed by '''Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus''' took control.
+Bangladesh, officially called the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, is a country located in South Asia. It is the eighth most populous nation in the world and also one of the most densely populated, with more than 171 million people living in an area of about '''148,460 square kilometres 57,320 sq mi'''. The country is bordered by India on the north, west, and east, and by Myanmar (Burma) on the southeast. Its southern boundary touches the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh is close to Bhutan and Nepal, separated by the narrow Siliguri Corridor, and China lies beyond India’s state of Sikkim to the north. The capital and largest city is Dhaka, which serves as the center of politics, business, and culture. Chittagong is the second-largest city and the country’s main seaport. The area that is now '''Bangladesh''' has a long and rich history. In ancient times, it was home to powerful '''Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms'''. After the '''Muslim conquest of 1204''', the region came under '''Sultanate''' and later '''Mughal''' control. During the Mughal era, especially under '''Bengal Subah''', the region became famous for its '''economic prosperity''', flourishing '''textile trade''', and fertile '''agriculture''', making it one of the wealthiest provinces of the empire. The '''Battle of Plassey''' in '''1757''' marked the start of '''British colonial rule''', which lasted for about two centuries. When '''British India was partitioned in 1947''', the eastern part of Bengal became '''East Bengal''', the most populous region of '''Pakistan''', and was later renamed '''East Pakistan'''. After more than twenty years of political discrimination and systemic inequality under the '''West Pakistan–dominated government''', tensions in '''East Pakistan''' escalated into a '''civil war in 1971''', eventually transforming into a '''war of independence'''. The '''Mukti Bahini''', with crucial support from '''India''', launched a successful armed struggle. Despite the '''genocide''' carried out by Pakistani forces, '''Bangladesh achieved independence on 16 December 1971'''.In the years following independence, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the nation’s first leader but was '''assassinated in 1975'''. Power later shifted to '''Ziaur Rahman''', who was also '''killed in 1981'''. The '''1980s''' were marked by the '''authoritarian rule of Hussain Muhammad Ershad''', which ended after a '''mass uprising in 1990'''. Democracy was restored in '''1991''', and for the next thirty years, national politics was shaped by the rivalry between Khaleda Zia and '''Sheikh Hasina''', often referred to as the '''Battle of the Begums.''' In '''August 2024''', a '''student-led mass movement''' forced '''Hasina from power''', and an '''interim government''' headed by '''Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus''' took control.
 === Etymology ===
 The name '''Bangladesh''', which translates to ''Land of Bengal,'' has its roots in the early 20th century. The word was popularized through '''Bengali patriotic songs''', including ''Aaji Bangladesher Hridoy'' by '''Rabindranath Tagore''' in '''1905''' and ''“Namo Namo Namo Bangladesh Momo”'' by '''Kazi Nazrul Islam''' in '''1932'''. In the '''1950s''', Bengali nationalists began using the term more widely during political movements in what was then '''East Pakistan'''. The word '''Bangla''' is an ancient and widely used name referring to both the '''Bengal region''' and the Bengali language. Its exact origin is uncertain. Some historians believe it comes from a '''Bronze Age proto-Dravidian tribe''', while others trace it back to the '''Vanga Kingdom''' of the Iron Age. The '''earliest recorded use''' of “Bangla” dates to '''805 AD''' on the '''Nesari plate'''. The phrase '''Vangala Desa''' (meaning land of Vangala”) also appears in 11th-century South Indian inscriptions.
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 Democracy was restored in 1991. Power alternated between '''Khaleda Zia''' BNP and '''Sheikh Hasina''' Awami League for decades. This period is often called the '''Battle of the Begums.''' While the country made progress in development and governance reforms, political instability and corruption remained persistent problems. Sheikh Hasina’s Long Rule 2009–2024The Awami League returned to power with a '''landslide victory in the 2008 elections'''. Under '''Sheikh Hasina''', Bangladesh experienced rapid '''economic growth''' and '''infrastructure expansion''', but also '''democratic backsliding''', '''increasing authoritarianism''', and '''widespread corruption'''.
-Sheikh Hasina won three more consecutive elections in '''2014, 2018, and 2024''', all widely criticized as neither free nor fair. Massive '''student-led protests''' in 2024 forced her to '''resign and flee to India''' on '''5 August 2024'''. An '''interim government''' was formed on '''8 August 2024''', led by '''Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus''' as Chief Adviser. Economic Growth and Development Since the 1980s, economic liberalization and free-market policies have turned Bangladesh into one of the '''fastest-growing economies in the world'''. The '''textile and garment sector''', the second-largest globally, has been a major growth driver.
+Sheikh Hasina won three more consecutive elections in '''2014, 2018, and 2024''', all widely criticized as neither free nor fair. Massive '''student-led protests''' in 2024 forced her to '''resign and flee to India''' on '''5 August 2024'''. An '''interim government''' was formed on '''8 August 2024''', led by '''Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus''' as Chief Adviser. Economic Growth and Development Since the 1980s, economic liberalization and free-market policies have turned Bangladesh into one of the fastest-growing economies in the '''world'''. The '''textile and garment sector''', the second-largest globally, has been a major growth driver.
 * Bangladesh is now the '''second-largest economy in South Asia'''.
 * Poverty rates fell from '''80% in 1971''' to '''18.7% in 2022'''.
 * Its '''Human Development Index''' grew rapidly, second only to China in the 21st century.
-* It became a '''global leader in green manufacturing''', hosting the world’s largest number of certified green factories.
+* It became a global leader in green manufacturing, hosting the world’s largest number of certified green factories.
 === Geography ===
@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 Bangladesh is situated within the '''Indomalayan realm''' and contains four major terrestrial ecoregions the '''Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests''', '''Mizoram–Manipur–Kachin rain forests''', '''Sundarbans freshwater swamp forests''', and '''Sundarbans mangroves'''. The country’s ecology is diverse, featuring a long coastline, countless rivers and tributaries, wetlands, evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, hill forests, freshwater swamps, and fertile alluvial plains. Its lush vegetation includes groves of mango, jackfruit, bamboo, betel nut, coconut, and date palm trees. Bangladesh is home to around '''6,000 plant species''', including about '''5,000 flowering plants''', with water lilies and lotuses blooming beautifully during the monsoon. The country also has '''50 wildlife sanctuaries''', reflecting its rich natural heritage. A significant portion of Bangladesh’s biodiversity is concentrated in the '''Sundarbans''', the world’s largest '''mangrove forest''', covering '''6,000 km²''' in the southwest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is divided into three protected zones  South, East, and West  and serves as a crucial habitat for many species. Other notable ecosystems include the '''haor wetlands''' in Sylhet, tropical and subtropical forests, the evergreen and semi-evergreen hills of Chittagong, and the plainland '''Sal forests''' of central Bangladesh. '''St. Martin’s Island''' hosts the country’s only coral reef.
-Bangladesh supports abundant wildlife across its '''forests, wetlands, woodlands, and hills''', covering a habitat area of about '''150,000 km²'''. Iconic species in the Sundarbans include the '''Bengal tiger''', '''clouded leopard''', '''saltwater crocodile''', '''black panther''', and '''fishing cat'''. The northern and eastern regions provide habitats for the '''Asian elephant''', '''hoolock gibbon''', '''Asian black bear''', and '''oriental pied hornbill''', while '''chital deer''' are common in the southwest. Other notable species include black giant squirrels, capped langurs, Bengal foxes, sambar deer, king cobras, pythons, mongooses, pangolins, and water monitors. Bangladesh also has one of the '''largest populations of Irrawaddy and Ganges river dolphins'''. In total, the country is home to '''53 species of amphibians''', '''139 reptiles''', '''19 marine reptiles''', '''5 marine mammals''', and '''628 species of birds'''. Some species, such as the '''one-horned and two-horned rhinoceros''' and the '''common peafowl''', have become extinct in Bangladesh over the past century. While urbanization has concentrated human populations in cities, helping to limit some deforestation, '''rapid development has threatened many natural habitats'''. Environmental issues such as '''industrial river pollution''' notably in the Dhaleshwari River and '''shrimp farming in the Chakaria Sundarbans''' have been described as '''ecocides'''. In response, Bangladesh has introduced several conservation measures. The '''Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act of 1995''' and the designation of '''Ecologically Critical Areas''' aim to protect wetlands, forests, and rivers. The '''Sundarbans Tiger Project''' and the '''Bangladesh Bear Project''' are key wildlife protection initiatives. Bangladesh ratified the '''Rio Convention on Biological Diversity''' on '''3 May 1994''' and continues to update its '''National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan''' to strengthen conservation efforts.
+Bangladesh supports abundant wildlife across its '''forests, wetlands, woodlands, and hills''', covering a habitat area of about '''150,000 km²'''. Iconic species in the Sundarbans include the '''Bengal tiger''', '''clouded leopard''', '''saltwater crocodile''', '''black panther''', and '''fishing cat'''. The northern and eastern regions provide habitats for the '''Asian elephant''', '''hoolock gibbon''', '''Asian black bear''', and '''oriental pied hornbill''', while '''chital deer''' are common in the southwest. Other notable species include black giant squirrels, capped langurs, Bengal foxes, sambar deer, king cobras, pythons, mongooses, pangolins, and water monitors. Bangladesh also has one of the '''largest populations of Irrawaddy and Ganges river dolphins'''. In total, the country is home to '''53 species of amphibians''', '''139 reptiles''', '''19 marine reptiles''', '''5 marine mammals''', and '''628 species of birds'''. Some species, such as the '''one-horned and two-horned rhinoceros''' and the '''common peafowl''', have become extinct in Bangladesh over the past century. While urbanization has concentrated human populations in cities, helping to limit some deforestation, '''rapid development has threatened many natural habitats'''. Environmental issues such as '''industrial river pollution''' notably in the Dhaleshwari River and '''shrimp farming in the Chakaria Sundarbans''' have been described as '''ecocides'''. In response, Bangladesh has introduced several conservation measures. The Bangladesh Environment '''Conservation Act of 1995''' and the designation of Ecologically Critical Areas aim to protect wetlands, forests, and rivers. The '''Sundarbans Tiger Project''' and the '''Bangladesh Bear Project''' are key wildlife protection initiatives. Bangladesh ratified the '''Rio Convention on Biological Diversity''' on '''3 May 1994''' and continues to update its '''National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan''' to strengthen conservation efforts.