The Peoples Republic of Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan), a parliamentary democracy located on the Bay of Bengal bordered by India and Burma, has an area of 55,598 sq. mi. (143,998 sq. km.) and a population of 128.31 million. Capital: Dhaka (Dacca). The economy is predominantly agricultural. Jute products and tea are exported. ,British rule over the vast Indian sub-continent ended in 1947 when British India attained independence and was partitioned into the two successor states of India and Pakistan. Pakistan consisted of East and West Pakistan, two areas united by the Moslem religion but separated by culture and 1,000 miles of Indian territory. Restive under the de facto rule of the militant but fewer west Pakistanis, the East Pakistanis unsuccessfully demanded greater economic benefits and political reforms. The inability of the leaders of ,, East and West Pakistan to resolve a political breakdown occasioned by the East Pakistan success in the general elections of 1970 precipitated massive civil disobedience in East Pakistan which West Pakistan sought to suppress militarily. East Pakistan seceded from Pakistan, March 26, 1971, and with the support of India declared an independent Peoples Republic of Bangladesh led by Mujibur Rahman who was later assassinated on August 15, 1975. Bangladesh is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The president is the Head of State and of Government.,,, Monetary System:,,, ,1 Rupee = 100 Paise to 1972,, ,1 Taka = 100 Paisas 1972-,,