Some thoughts from my trip to Bangladesh

I recently just returned from a trip to Bangladesh. In addition to rediscovering my family roots, I have some thoughts to share about the country and its people:

• Bangladesh is not a "poor" country. Contrary to the images of starving children, hardly anyone is going hungry. Not to mention everyone has a cell phone or two, even those living in the slums or the villages.
• The number of beggars on the streets has drastically declined- and more people sell things as opposed to outright begging. Now, whether that is due to government policy or a general decline in poverty is up for discussion.
  
• The country is experiencing two different issues: a rapid population increase and rise in wealth, which are causing new problems. For example, as the population increases and more and more people are able to afford and buy cars, the streets are increasingly congested. Traffic jams are a a huge problem- it takes one hour to get somewhere that should take ten minutes, and I am not exaggerating. The roads and infrastructure are the same as before, but the changing demographics and livelihoods has made them unfit for present day needs.
  
• Cities are creeping into the villages- with a very thin line separating the two
• Within the last 8 years- the last time I was there- there has been considerable change in the number of women in hijab- while you used to see one or two people when you went out, now at least 20-50% of the women are covering their heads depending on where you are.
• The healthiest looking people are the working class because they eat a healthier diet and are constantly exercising due to their job or having to walk or bike places. Most of the elite class -especially elite women- were all overweight (diabetes and heart disease is a major source of death among the elite). Its not hard to imagine why that is, it is nearly impossible to exercise outdoors, go on walks, etc. due to safety or the pollution.