Virtual Bangladesh : National Icons

	The National Emblem of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The national flower Shapla (water Lily) is surrounded by two sheaves of rice.
	Bangladesh teems with icons and symbols, not the least of which is the ubiquitous Royal Bengal Tiger. This majestic beast finds its home in Bangladesh, in the still pristine mangrove forests of the Sundarbans.
	The Doel or the magpie robin is the national bird of Bangladesh.
	The Jackfruit [Kathal] is our national fruit. The fruit has a pungent yet distinctive flavor not unlike the Durian of South East Asia. The fruit can grow to huge sizes hundreds of pounds in weight.
	The National Parliament (shawngshod bhawbon) is an architectural wonder. Designed by the famous American architect Louis Kahn, this is the seat of the government.
	The Water Lily (shapla) is the national flower of Bangladesh.
	Shaheed Minar (Martyrs Memorial): We truly value our independence and the sacrifices made to achieve our freedom. Starting as a language movement, nascent nationalism culminated in the birth of Bangladesh after a 9 month long War of Independence.
	Here in this sombre memorial we remember the first sacrifices made to preserve our freedom and independence. The National Monument reminds us of those who gave their lives so the we can be free.