Bangladesh🕣
A state in southern Asia. Official name – the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Population – 167.5 million (as of 2020). Capital – Dhaka. Official language – Bangla (Bengali). Government type – unitary republic with a parliamentary form of government. Main religion – Islam.
Bangladesh
Greeting
Business etiquette in Bangladesh is rather formal, which can be seen both in greetings and introductions.
The handshake is usually rather as weak and soft. Handshakes are commonly exchanged during greetings and farewells.
Men shake hands with men, while women tend to limit themselves to a slight tilt of the head when greeting both men and women. Handshakes between men and women are very rare for religious reasons.
When greeting a woman, a man may tilt his head slightly in greeting. See how your Bangladeshi partner behaves in this situation.
If there are several men on your partner's side in Bangladesh, say hello to the oldest or highest in status first.
As in other parts of the Islamic world, the accepted form of verbal greeting in Bangladesh is As-salam alaikum, which means Peace be upon you. In response, one should say Waa-alaykum as-salam, which means Peace be upon you, too.
Introduction
The accepted norms for introducing people in Bangladesh depend on several factors, including a person's age and gender, as well as his or her hierarchical position in the company and status in society.
Your Bangladeshi partner may have a difficult name to pronounce, e.g. Bhattacharya. Practice pronouncing the name before you meet. Otherwise, you risk offending your partner, es...
Exchange of Business Cards
Business cards are usually exchanged after greetings. Business cards are taken seriously in Bangladesh. You should always have a sufficient number of business cards.
Ranks and titles, especially academic degrees if you have them, should be mentioned on your business card. Your partner in Bangladesh can indicate on their card their level of education as well as the university they gradua...
Small Talk: Overview
Business meetings in Bangladesh often begin with small talk followed by the actual negotiations.
Even during informal small talk, communication can generally be characterized as formal. The hierarchical position of the speakers in their companies plays a major role. It is expected that the most senior person in a group of talkers will be shown special respect.
Bangladeshis are ...
Preferred Topics
The topics of communication can vary greatly depending on the social status of your interlocutor. If he or she is from a wealthy family and has been educated abroad, he or she may suggest topics related to his or her life and education in a particular country.
In social interactions, your Bangladeshi counterpart will gladly respond to your sincere questions about Bangladesh's culture an...
Taboo Topics
Politics is a difficult topic to discuss and should be avoided at all costs.
Foreigners should be careful what they say when it comes to Islam or issues related to Islam. Do not allow yourself to be criticized.
Sexual matters and, in particular, topics such as divorce should be kept out of small talk.
Money and sources of income will not be a good topic.
Bangla...
Personal Space
The distance of comfortable communication in Bangladesh may be shorter than in other cultures: in Bangladesh, it is customary to stand quite close to the speaker. This distance is further reduced if the speakers are of the same sex.
Physical touching during communication is acceptable between persons of the same sex. These include, for example, patting the other person on the shoulder ...
Communication Specifics
It is not common in Bangladesh to express one's opinion directly and openly. Strong statements will not be well accepted.
When communicating with strangers, Bangladeshis sometimes say what they think is expected of them rather than what they really think. In some ambiguous situations, therefore, it makes sense to ask questions that will require a more extended response.
Trying...
Any questions? Contact us.
Ask a Question