General Knowledge and Bangladesh Studies
What is examined
This section tests factual awareness of Bangladesh and the wider world: geography (divisions, rivers, borders), national symbols, the Liberation War and its timeline, constitutional and administrative facts, major international organisations, and current affairs of the past year.
Bangladesh facts to secure
Know the eight divisions and their headquarters, the national anthem, the national flower, animal, bird and fish, the position of the Sundarbans, and the main rivers (Padma, Meghna, Jamuna, Brahmaputra). For the Liberation War, be clear on 26 March 1971 (declaration of independence), 16 December 1971 (victory day), and 21 February 1952 (Language Movement). Learn the seven Bir Sreshtho names as a set.
World knowledge
Be ready on the United Nations and its main organs, SAARC and ASEAN membership, the Commonwealth, the Olympic cycle, and the capitals and currencies of neighbouring countries.
Traps that appear
- Near-miss dates: 1971 versus 1972, or 1952 versus 1948. Read the year carefully before answering.
- Similar names: "Bay of Bengal" versus "Andaman Sea"; "Padma" versus "Meghna" in a specific district.
- Outdated facts: capitals and office-holders change. If a fact may have changed, verify it rather than guessing.
- Absolute words such as always and only in an option often signal a wrong choice.
Method
Build a one-page fact sheet per topic and review it weekly. For current affairs, keep a monthly log of major national and international events rather than relying on memory alone.
Worked example
"In which year was the Language Movement's central event held?" The answer is 1952 - the students' procession on 21 February. A candidate who confuses it with 1951 or 1953 loses an easy mark.