Bangladesh
My friend came to me, with sadness in his eyes
He told me that he wanted help
Before his country dies
Although I couldn’t feel the pain, I knew I had to try
Now, I’m asking all of you
To help us save some lives
Bangladesh, Bangladesh
Where so many people are dying fast
And it sure looks like a mess
I’ve never seen such distress
Now, won’t you lend your hand and understand
Relieve the people of Bangladesh
Bangladesh, Bangladesh
Such a great disaster – I don’t understand
But it sure looks like a mess
I’ve never known such distress
Now, please don’t turn away, I want to hear you say
Relieve the people of Bangladesh
Relieve Bangladesh.
Summary of the poem Bangladesh
The poem is a heartfelt plea for help, voiced through the speaker’s friend who is deeply troubled by the suffering in Bangladesh. The friend urges the speaker to take action to save the country from impending disaster. Although the speaker cannot fully understand the depth of the pain, they feel a strong moral obligation to respond. The poem paints a vivid picture of widespread distress and the rapid loss of life, calling on others to show empathy and take meaningful steps to aid the people of Bangladesh. It’s a powerful appeal for compassion and collective action.
The poem “Bangladesh” explores several powerful themes:
- Human Suffering and Empathy
The poem highlights the intense pain and suffering experienced by the people of Bangladesh. It calls on readers to empathize with their plight and recognize the urgency of their situation. - Call to Action
A central theme is the need for immediate help. The speaker and their friend urge others to take action to prevent further disaster, emphasizing that silence or inaction is not an option. - Friendship and Solidarity
The speaker responds to a friend’s emotional plea, showing how personal connections can inspire broader humanitarian concern and solidarity. - Helplessness vs. Responsibility
The speaker admits to not fully understanding the depth of the pain but still feels a moral responsibility to help. This contrast reflects the tension between feeling powerless and choosing to act anyway. - National Crisis and Identity
The poem reflects on the suffering of a nation—Bangladesh—and how its identity is shaped by both tragedy and resilience. It invites readers to see the country not just as a place, but as a community in need.
Answer the following questions
- What is the first line of the song?
Answer: The first line of the song is not explicitly mentioned in the image, but it is implied that the song is titled “Bangladesh,” so the first line may relate to the theme of the country’s suffering. - What is the song about?
Answer: The song is about the suffering and crisis in Bangladesh. It expresses a plea for help and highlights the urgency of the situation, calling for empathy and action. - Who is the singer of the song?
Answer: The singer is not named in the image, but the song is likely referring to George Harrison’s famous song “Bangla Desh,” which was created to raise awareness and support for the country during its 1971 crisis. - Where did you hear the song first?
Answer: This is a personal question, and the answer would vary depending on the individual. A sample answer could be: “I first heard the song during a history lesson about the Liberation War of Bangladesh.” - How do you feel when you listen to this song?
Answer: The song evokes feelings of sadness, empathy, and a desire to help. It makes listeners reflect on the suffering of others and the importance of humanitarian support.
Main Questions
(a) Why did the poet’s friend become sad?
Answer: The poet’s friend became sad due to the disastrous and painful condition in Bangladesh, where people were suffering and dying rapidly.
(b) What did the poet do after being informed about the distressful condition of the people of Bangladesh?
Answer: The poet felt compelled to act and began writing verses to raise awareness and urge others to help save lives in Bangladesh.
(c) What did the friend want from the poet of the poem ‘Bangladesh’? Why?
Answer: The friend wanted the poet to lend a hand and help save Bangladesh from disaster, driven by deep concern for the suffering people.
(d) Why did not the poet understand the disastrous condition of Bangladesh?
Answer: The poet admitted that he could not fully grasp the depth of the pain and suffering, possibly due to distance or lack of firsthand experience.
(e) When did the poet urge all to save lives of people of Bangladesh?
Answer: The poet urged everyone to act when the crisis became unbearable and the loss of life was accelerating.
(f) What is contextual synonym of word “lend” in poem ‘Bangladesh’?
Answer: In context, “lend” means offer, give, or extend help or support.
(g) Why does poet make a request for not turning away in poem ‘Bangladesh’?
Answer: The poet asks readers not to turn away because ignoring the suffering would be inhumane; he wants people to show compassion and take action.
(h) Why verses of ‘Bangladesh’ are being written?
Answer: The verses are written to raise awareness, express sorrow, and inspire others to help the people of Bangladesh.
For More Practice
(i) Why are so many people dying fast in Bangladesh?
Answer: Due to a severe crisis—possibly war, famine, or natural disaster—causing widespread suffering and death.
(j) What looks like a sure mess in ‘Bangladesh’?
Answer: The overall situation in Bangladesh, marked by chaos, suffering, and rapid loss of life.
(k) What does word “die” stand for in poem ‘Bangladesh’?
Answer: It symbolizes the tragic loss of innocent lives due to the crisis.
(l) Whom does poet urge to save some lives in ‘Bangladesh’?
Answer: The poet urges everyone—readers, listeners, and the global community—to help save lives.
(m) Why does poet appeal to lend our hand in poem ‘Bangladesh’?
Answer: To encourage collective action and humanitarian support for the suffering people.
(n) What is key tone of these verses in ‘Bangladesh’?
Answer: The tone is urgent, emotional, and pleading.
(o) What did poet want us to say in ‘Bangladesh’?
Answer: The poet wants us to say “We care” and to show support through action.
(p) What makes poem ‘Bangladesh’ a universal one?
Answer: Its themes of human suffering, empathy, and the call for global solidarity make it universally relatable.
(q) The word “Relieve” has two different meanings. What are those?
Answer: 1) To ease pain or suffering. 2) To provide help or support in a crisis.
(r) Is “Bangladesh” a poem or song? Who wrote it?
Answer: It is a poem, though it may also be interpreted as a song. The author is not specified in the image.
(s) What is aim of this poem?
Answer: To raise awareness and inspire action to help the people of Bangladesh.
(t) What is main idea of this poem?
Answer: The urgent need to respond to the suffering in Bangladesh with compassion and support.
(u) What is background of the poem or song?
Answer: It is likely inspired by the historical crisis in Bangladesh, such as the 1971 Liberation War or humanitarian disasters.
(v) How does use of imagery convey situation in Bangladesh?
Answer: The imagery vividly portrays pain, chaos, and urgency, helping readers emotionally connect with the crisis.
