It joined a district of Assam to become East Pakistan. However, it was greatly discriminated against by West Pakistan for over 20 years. In 1971, a civil war broke out, ending with an independent Bangladesh. Like Bangladesh is a rural delta region that has very fertile soil due to annual flooding. Consequently, most of the Orisi earn a living as farmers.
Rice is the principal crop in Bangladesh, just as it is in most of central and eastern India.
Wheat, barley, and corn are also raised for consumption, and jute is cultivated for export. Because the people are so dependent on farming for survival, some of the children do not attend school during critical agricultural seasons. Among the Orisi, the men's responsibilities include sowing seed, plowing, hunting, and fishing. The women are responsible for weeding the fields, tending to the household chores, and taking care of the children. Men commonly to use poles balanced on their shoulders to carry goods, while women carry things on their heads.