NOVEMBER 24, 2024 — Bangladesh Nationalist Party Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan has urged the government to officially designate March 2 as “National Flag Day,” the Dhaka Tribune reports.
Speaking at a protest rally organized by Hridoye Pataka 2 March at the National Press Club, Khan expressed his astonishment that, even 53 years after independence, the recognition of National Flag Day remains unresolved.
He noted that the acknowledgment would honor the contributions of ASM Abdur Rab, the then Vice President of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), who first hoisted the flag – differing from the current national flag by featuring a map of “Golden Bangladesh” at its center – on March 2, 1971, according to the Dainik Shiksha.
“This recognition will not only honor the contributions of ASM Abdur Rab but also instill pride in every citizen of the country,” Khan said.
Shahana Sultana, president of Hridoye Pataka 2 March, described the day as foundational to Bangladesh’s history. “Bangladesh’s journey began on this day with the hoisting of the national flag. It is disgraceful that we still have to demand recognition for such a significant day,” she said.
The group plans to submit a memorandum to the president and chief adviser within a week to press for the designation of National Flag Day.
Image: Fredrik Rubensson, CC BY-SA 2.0