National Flag Dos & Don’ts
Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :
National flag is the highest and most recognizable symbol of pride of a country. Thus we see its use in numerous places- important government buildings and on vehicles of the designated officials at home and abroad. We can feel the sense of belonging and pride as we see our national flag flying in our missions abroad. No mention is required to emphasize its use in different national events like the National Day and other military parades, sports events and even during nation’s mourning or death of our national heroes and leaders.
The rules contain the definition of flag, description and size of it along with the colour specifications. In Rule 4, specification is laid out as to the occasions on which the flag of Bangladesh can be flown for instance, 26th March, 16th December, etc. Further in Rule 6 it is stated that the flag should be flown in all Bangladesh Diplomatic Missions and Consular posts in foreign countries in accordance with the custom of the country in question. Certain flag etiquettes and norms are attached to the use of national flag. The flag is to be prepared and used according to the prescribed size, dimensions and colour. It should never touch the ground and the flag should be kept in good repair. If a flag is damaged, torn or discoloured, then it must not to be thrown away, but disposed in a dignified manner according to the rules. It must never be thrown in a garbage bin or used as an old cloth. These actions are total disrespect towards the national flag and its dignity and to the motherland. Unfortunately, due to ignorance, we often find abuse and wrong practices to the utter disregard of the national flag.
According to the decision, all of the government, semi-government and non-government and autonomous bodies and institution offices must comply with the flag rules. Those, who are violating the rules, must face punishment and penalty – for their offences. According to the rules, it’s mandatory to hoist or use a national flag of the exact measure and colour. It’s a criminal offence of hoisting or using an undersized or wrong sized or discoloured flag. According to another decision at the meeting, the law enforcement agency members will take necessary steps to stop hoisting of discoloured, disfigured and disproportionate flags on top of offices, houses or private cars. In the previous years, it was found that the ‘flag rules’ were violated indiscriminately in front of the law enforcers ahead of February 21, March 26 and December 16, the national days of the country.
A good number of people, including some private television channels, flag makers and sellers, use the war-time national flag violating the existing flag rules of the country. At the same time, it was also seen to use under sized or wrong sized or discoloured flags everywhere. If Flag Order, 1972 is not strictly followed the country’s image will be distorted.
The flag cannot be used in such a way. The national flag may not be lowered or touched in the graveyard. The flag cannot be lowered towards any person or object. The flag can never be carried horizontally or flat. It will always be up and free. The flag of Bangladesh cannot be used as a cover for anything. Provided, however, that if a prominent person is buried with full military dignity or formality, the flag covering of his body may be permitted. Flags may not be used to receive, hold or deliver anything. It should be kept in mind that a person who shows contempt for the national flag or does not show due respect to the national flag is liable to a fine of Tk 5,000 or one year imprisonment or both as per the law enacted on July 20, 2010. To insult the national flag means to deny the liberation war. If the national flag is devalued while using the national flag out of emotion, then the soul of the freedom fighters will suffer. Therefore, it is our moral duty and civic duty to show due respect to the national flag.
The national flag of Bangladesh is a symbol of our identity as a state and a nation, a reliable symbol of our sovereignty and the integrity of the state. A thrill of joy and excitement is created in our hearts when the national flag is flown. Unwavering faith, love and respect for the national flag have been taught since childhood, from the time a child was admitted to school. The national flag is hoisted every day while singing the national anthem in educational institutions. Through this the sense of belonging is awakened in the minds of the students.
As the identity of humanity found in the reverence for the mother, so the national flag is closely associated with the mother. Therefore, since independence through the war of liberation in 1971, unwavering loyalty and respect to the red-green flag has been an integral part of our consciousness. The red and green flag is a symbol of our freedom, our sovereignty, which has been achieved at the cost of millions of lives. Insulting or disrespecting the national flag cannot be accepted in any way. In addition to our government efforts to prevent its abuse, civil society must also be responsible.
(DR. Forqan is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar & VDP)
