National Flag Day in Bangladesh
Observed annually on the 2nd day of March, National Flag Day is a holiday that’s celebrated in Bangladesh. It commemorates the date in 1971 when the first independent flag of this country was raised. Bangladesh’s flag is a symbol of not only its identity but also its independence and its sovereignty.
Bangladesh (Observance)The Bangladesh flag consists of a dark green banner with a red disc on it that’s positioned offset ever so slightly. This is done so that the red circle looks like it’s centered when the flag is waving. Its design is based on a flag that was used during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971—a flag that had the red disc on a green banner but also had a yellow map of the country inside of 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 out of an atlas using tracing paper.
The flag was consciously made without using the star and crescent design that was used in the flag of West Pakistan. It was initially debuted on March 2, 1971. On January 13, 1972, Bangladesh’s flag was changed. The map was removed from the center of the red disc, and the red disc itself was offset towards the hoist. This made the red circle look 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)
