Flag of Bangladesh

The national flag of Bangladesh is a striking and poignant symbol that embodies the nation's struggle for independence, its vibrant spirit, and its deep connection to its land and people. Far more than just a piece of fabric, the flag, with its vivid green field and off-centred red disc, tells a powerful story of sacrifice, resilience, and the birth of a nation. Adopted officially on January 17, 1972, after Bangladesh achieved independence, it represents the hopes and dreams of millions, reflecting both historical events and profound national aspirations.

Design and Dimensions

The flag of Bangladesh features a dark green field with a large red circle (disc) slightly off-centre towards the hoist.

The official ratio of the flag's width to its length is 3:5. The red circle has a radius of one-fifth of the length of the flag. Its center is placed at nine-twentieths of the length from the hoist side, and at the exact center vertically. This specific placement ensures that when the flag is flying, the circle appears to be perfectly centered to the human eye due to the optical illusion created by movement.

Symbolism of the Colors and Elements

Each color and element on the flag of Bangladesh carries deep historical and emotional significance:

• Dark Green Field: The dark green background of the flag symbolizes the lush greenery of Bangladesh, its fertile land, and the vibrant vitality of its people. It also represents the youth and progress of the nation. For a country with a predominantly agricultural landscape, the green reflects the abundance and natural beauty of the land.

• Red Circle (Disc): The red circle is the most potent and emotionally charged element of the flag. It represents the rising sun over Bangladesh, signifying a new dawn and the promise of a brighter future. More profoundly, it symbolizes the blood shed by the martyrs during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. It is a constant reminder of the immense sacrifices made by countless individuals to achieve independence and establish the sovereign state. It represents courage, sacrifice, and the ultimate price paid for freedom.

History of Creation and Adoption

The flag of Bangladesh has a powerful and relatively recent history, directly linked to the nation's fight for liberation from Pakistan.

• Pre-Independence (East Pakistan Era): Before 1971, the territory that is now Bangladesh was East Pakistan, a part of Pakistan. There was no distinct flag for East Pakistan as a separate entity within Pakistan.

• First Unofficial Flag (March 1971): The current design of the flag, with a few modifications, originated during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The first unofficial flag was designed by a group of student leaders, specifically Serajul Alam Khan, Kazi Aref Ahmed, and Moniul Islam of the Swadhin Bangla Biplobi Parishad (Independent Bengal Revolutionary Council). It was intended to represent the Bengali nationalist movement.

• Original Design (March 2, 1971): The original version of the flag, hoisted for the first time on March 2, 1971, at Dhaka University, was similar to the current one, but it included a golden map of Bangladesh inside the red disc. This map was included to explicitly identify the territory being fought for. This flag became a rallying symbol for the Bengali nationalists and freedom fighters.

• Elimination of the Map (January 1972): After Bangladesh achieved victory and became an independent nation, the design was slightly modified. The golden map was removed from the red disc. This decision was made for several reasons:

  • Simplification: The map was difficult to render accurately on both sides of the flag, especially when printed on a large scale.

  • Universal Recognition: A simplified design would be easier to recognize internationally.

  • Focus on Core Symbolism: The red disc alone was deemed powerful enough to convey the sacrifices and the rising sun, without needing the literal map. The revised flag was officially adopted on January 17, 1972, by the newly independent government of Bangladesh.

Significance for the Inhabitants

For the people of Bangladesh, their national flag is more than just a national emblem; it is a profound symbol of their identity, their history, and their aspirations.

• Symbol of Independence and Sovereignty: The flag stands as a powerful testament to Bangladesh's hard-won independence and sovereignty from Pakistani rule, a source of immense pride and a reminder of the sacrifices made.

• Memory of Martyrs and Liberation War: The red disc serves as a constant and emotional reminder of the millions of lives lost and the blood shed during the brutal Liberation War of 1971. It is a sacred symbol honoring the martyrs and the struggle for freedom.

• National Unity and Identity: The flag fosters a strong sense of national unity among the diverse population of Bangladesh. It binds them together under a shared history of struggle and a common vision for the future.

• Hope and Progress: The rising sun represented by the red disc symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and the nation's aspiration for progress and prosperity. It reflects the optimism for a brighter future after decades of oppression.

• Connection to Land and Nature: The green background evokes a deep connection to Bangladesh's fertile land, rivers, and natural beauty, representing the agricultural heartland of the nation.

Interesting Facts

• Designed by a Student: The original concept of the flag was developed by student leaders during the liberation movement, highlighting the grassroots nature of the independence struggle.

• Golden Map Controversy: The inclusion and subsequent removal of the golden map of Bangladesh from the red disc is a significant historical detail. The map was initially a key identifier for the fledgling nation.

• Off-Centre Disc: The red disc is deliberately placed slightly off-centre towards the hoist to make it appear visually centered when the flag is flying in the wind. This is a common design technique used in vexillology.

• Proportions for Stability: The 3:5 ratio of the flag is a common proportion that provides good stability and visual appeal when displayed.

• Meaning of "Bangladesh": The name "Bangladesh" itself means "Land of Bengal" or "Country of Bengal," directly linking the nation to its linguistic and cultural heritage, much like the green of the flag links to its geography.

• Blood of Sacrifice: The red disc's symbolism of the blood of martyrs is a powerful and universally understood message of ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

• "Shabash Bangladesh": During the Liberation War, the flag, with its evolving design, became a powerful symbol in slogans and songs, such as "Shabash Bangladesh!" (Bravo, Bangladesh!).

• Global Recognition: The simplicity and bold colors of the flag make it instantly recognizable internationally, effectively communicating the identity of a young, resilient nation.

• National Flag Day: While Bangladesh celebrates its Independence Day on March 26th and Victory Day on December 16th, the flag itself is celebrated every day as a symbol of the nation's hard-won freedom and identity. It is displayed prominently on public and private buildings throughout the country.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.