13 Photos That Will Change The Way You Look At Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a small country in South Asia known for its poverty,pollution and recurring natural disasters. However, is there more to this place than what makes the international news?

1. Cricket Is Not Merely A Game, It's A Religion!

Shabbir Ferdous Photography. gettyimages / Via gettyimages.com

A cricket match is an excuse for us to dress-up in green and red and celebrate!

2. And We're Pretty GREAT At It Too!

Daniel Berehulak. gettyimages / Via gettyimages.com

Meet Shakib Al Hasan! A Bangladeshi cricket player who happens to be the BEST all-rounder in the world according to International Cricket Council ranking for T20, ODI and Test Cricket. Yes, that's basically ALL the formats of the game.

3. Why Should Boys Have All the fun, and ...Spotlight; Right?

Dhaka Tribune / Via dhakatribune.com

Here's Salma Khatun, world's number 1 female T20 all-rounder; made in Bangladesh!

4. All 'PLAY' And No 'Work'?

Steve Jurvetson / Via Flickr: jurvetson

Presenting Salman Khan: founder of Khan Academy; a Bangladeshi-American educator and entrepreneur making world-class education free and accessible to anyone anywhere!

5. Tech Must be The Last Thing We're Good At, Right?

Jawed / Via commons.wikimedia.org

WRONG! Jawed Karim, co-founder of YouTube (Yes, you've read it right) is of Bangladeshi origin!

6. Yes, Bangladeshis Are Making A Mark Wherever They Go!

Aris Bernales / Via facebook.com

Here's Sumaya Kazi! Founder and CEO of Sumazi.com and a Bangladeshi-American entrepreneur proving women can be CEOs and that too in Tech-centric Companies! BusinessWeek Magazine has featured her as one of ''America's Best Young Entrepreneurs'' and according to Reuters she is one of the top 50 ''Most Influential Executives on the Web''!

7. We Are Full Of Color!

Ashraf Siddiqui / Via Flickr: 129659132@N05

Jewelry made out of flowers is a MUST for traditional Bangladeshi celebrations!...And taking selfies? Yes, of course!

8. We Have The World's Longest Sea Beach!

Majority World. gettyimages / Via gettyimages.com

And boy oh boy is it beautiful!

9. And Breath-taking Views!

Shihab Gahin / Via facebook.com

This is a little place called Tindu in Bandarban district, Bangladesh.

10. You Can Dare To Touch The Clouds Here If You're Up For The Adventure!

Harun Or Rashid / Via facebook.com

Another village in Bandarban: Jaadipai Paara.

11. It's A Heaven For Foodies!

Tahmid Munaz / Via en.wikipedia.org

Don't believe us?

Go to the link below to watch Buzzfeed try Bangladeshi food!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Okt-aRYMQ

12. You Won't Believe A Vegetarian Snack Can Taste SO GOOD Until You Have Some Fuchkaa!

OnchitaS / Via Flickr: onchitas

It's a version of Paanipuri filled with cooked white peas and mashed potatoes mixed with spices, served with freshly cut onions and green-chilies sprinkled on top. It tastes best with some spicy tamarind water!

13. Lastly, Bangladeshi People Will Make You Believe In Happiness Without Money!

Tim Gerard Barker. gettyimages / Via gettyimages.com

Yes, Bangladesh has a Happy Planet Index Score of 56.3 and ranks #11 of all the countries analysed. And the smile on these faces agree!