However, harsh treatment by dominant West Pakistan led to a civil war which ended in East Pakistan's gain of independence as the nation of Bangladesh. Today, most Bengali of Bangladesh, Hindu and Muslim alike, are farmers with little hope of bettering themselves or their families. The lives of the Hindu Bengali are deeply influenced by caste, or social class. For example, marriages almost never occur between people of differing castes. Although Bangladesh guarantees equality of opportunity, most prestigious Hindus also belong to a high caste, and most poor Hindus belong to a lower caste.
Rice is the primary crop and is eaten at every meal.
Rice is cultivated year round in three growing seasons which are defined by the amount of rainfall. Bengali eat other foods such as vegetables, spices, and fish. Like most Hindus, the Hindu Bengali are vegetarians and especially loath the consumption of beef. They grow several commercial crops, including jute and sugarcane. Most rural Bengali farmers live in small villages of 100 to 1,000 people.