Bangladesh Glossary

C

choli is a midriff-baring blouse worn in Bangladesh and in some other parts of Asia like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka where the sari is worn.

D

dargah This is a Sufi shrine built over the grave of a revered religious figure.

H

haor a wetland where marine and bird life thrives.

J

jamidari or zamindar an official who collects taxes from the peasants.

K

kyang local term for temple in Bangladesh, the more modern inhabitants however called the temples vihar.

M

mondir a small Hindu temple.

R

rajbari local term for a landowner’s palace.

S

sampan a double oared boat with flat bottom.

shalwar kameez is a traditional dress that Bangladesh women wear. The shalwar or salvar is a pajama-like trousers while the kameez is a shirt or a tunic.

T

tehsil local term used for district subdivision.

thanas a term used in South Asian countries and is synonymous with police station or precinct.

U

upazilas term used for sub-districts in Bangladesh.