National Flag Day in Bangladesh
Observed annually on the 2nd day of March, National Flag Day is a holiday celebrated in Bangladesh. It commemorates the date in 1971 when the first independent flag of the country was raised. Bangladesh’s flag is a symbol not only of its identity but also of its independence and sovereignty.
Bangladesh (Observance)The Bangladesh flag consists of a dark green banner with a red disc on it, positioned offset ever so slightly. This is done so that the red circle appears centered when the flag is waving. Its design is based on a flag used during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971—a flag that had the red disc on a green banner but also included a yellow map of the country inside it.
The History Of National Flag Day In Bangladesh
Student leaders and activists of the Swadheen Bangla Nucleus—an armed underground student political group—designed the flag on June 6, 1970. It was designed in Room 108 of Iqbal Hall at Dhaka University. A map of the country (previously called East Pakistan) was traced from an atlas using tracing paper.
The flag was consciously made without the star and crescent design used in the flag of West Pakistan. It was first debuted on March 2, 1971. On January 13, 1972, Bangladesh’s flag was modified. The map was removed from the center of the red disc, and the red disc itself was shifted towards the hoist. This adjustment made the red circle appear centered when the flag was raised and waving.
Observing National Flag Day In Bangladesh
This holiday is observed by raising the flag of Bangladesh not only on government buildings but also on many people’s homes and businesses. Since this holiday is a general day off, government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed on this day.
In the capital city of Dhaka, there are many other celebrations that include singing, dancing, and parades—all with the flag of the country taking a prominent position in the ceremonies.
Bangladesh (Observance)
