Village named 'Bangladesh' found in Kashmir

Kashmir has long been at the center of conflicts between India and Pakistan, but few are aware that Bangladesh also has a small connection to the region. About 80 kilometers from Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir, lies a picturesque village named 'Bangladesh.' Tucked between Lake Wular and Mount Harmukh, this village is located in the Bandipora district of Kashmir, and its name dates back to the independence of the original Bangladesh. During the 1971 Liberation War, conflicts erupted along the borders of East Pakistan and Jammu & Kashmir. Meanwhile, a massive fire devastated the nearby Zurimanz village, leaving it in ruins. As the villagers began rebuilding on the vacant land next to Zurimanz, they heard the news of Bangladesh's independence. Inspired, they decided to name their new village 'Bangladesh' in honor of the newly formed nation. In a fascinating parallel, as East Pakistan became Bangladesh, Zurimanz too transformed into Kashmir’s own 'Bangladesh.' Initially, the name spread by word of mouth, but in 2010, it was officially registered by the District Commissioner's office in Bandipora. Today, the village is home to around 70 families, with a population of 350 people. The origins of the village's name remain somewhat debated. Some locals believe a minister from the Kashmir government suggested the name 'Bangladesh,' and the villagers embraced it. Regardless of its exact origin, there's no denying the pride the residents feel in their village's unique name.