In the 1970 elections the Awami League emerged as a major party in the Pakistan Parliament. However, the ruling military did not allow the party to form a government. Today Bangladesh is suffering from economic difficulties and relies heavily on foreign aid. The rivers are an important means of communication and transport, although travel is difficult when flooding occurs. Bangladesh has about ten and a half thousand kilometres of paved road and just under three thousand kilometres of railway lines.
Farmers grow their crops on mounds built above the level of the floodwaters.
All the land suitable for growing agricultural produce is under cultivation so there is no room to grow more crops. New farming technology is the only way to increase the yield of food grown in the country. Bangladesh's economy relies heavily on agriculture. Bangladesh is still a major jute producer, but the crop has declined as an export earner. Tea is the second most important export.