In 1971, the transportation system in Bangladesh was not as developed and extensive as it is today. The country was still in its early stages of development after gaining independence from Pakistan. However, here are some transportation modes that were prevalent during that time:

• Roads:

The road network in 1971 consisted of mainly unpaved or poorly maintained roads. Major cities and towns were connected by a limited number of highways and paved roads. The condition of rural roads was generally poor, making transportation challenging, especially during monsoon seasons.

• Railways:

The railway system in Bangladesh was operational in 1971, although it was limited in terms of coverage and infrastructure. The rail network connected major cities and towns, and it was primarily used for transporting goods and passengers over long distances.

• Waterways:

Bangladesh has an extensive network of rivers, making waterways an important mode of transportation even in 1971. Rivers like the Padma (Ganges), Jamuna (Brahmaputra), and Meghna served as major transportation routes for boats and ferries, connecting different parts of the country.

• Airways:

The aviation industry was still in its early stages in 1971. The major airports, such as Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong, existed but with limited domestic and international flight connections.

• Rickshaws:

Non-motorized rickshaws were a common mode of transport in urban areas, especially in Dhaka and other cities. These manually pulled or cycle-pulled vehicles provided short-distance transportation within city limits.

It’s important to note that the transportation infrastructure and modes have significantly evolved and expanded since 1971. Bangladesh has made substantial progress in developing its road networks, railways, airports, and waterways to facilitate better connectivity and transportation across the country.