Rules for hoisting the national flag in government buildings in districts and upazilas of Bangladesh are not being followed:
In Bangladesh, Khulna, Barisal, Jessore, Rajshahi Divisional Districts outside the urban areas and Shariatpur, Munshiganj, Madaripur,
The national flag is not being hoisted on working days in most government offices in the district headquarters and upazilas of the district. Although there is a flag stand designated in the office building for hoisting the national flag, the absence of the national flag is noticeable in many offices at the beginning of the day. However, all types of administrative activities are seen to be going on normally inside the offices.
In the last six months, on-site observations by media workers have shown that the rules for hoisting the national flag are not being followed in a significant number of government offices in the district headquarters and upazilas. These offices include the Shariatpur Roads and Highways Department, Water Development Board, Department of Agricultural Extension, District and Upazila Agriculture Office, Rural Liberation, District Food Controller’s Office, Department of Education Engineering, District and Upazila Secondary and Primary Education Office, Government Library, Department of Environment, District and Upazila Shilpakala Academy, District and Upazila Sub-Registrar’s Office, Electricity Office, West Zone Power Distribution, BRT,
Livestock office, family planning and social service office, municipality office, postal office, upazila and union hospital, telecommunication office. The picture of the mentioned offices in each upazila of Shariatpur district is the same. Even the picture of the freedom fighter buildings is the same.
Civilized and conscious citizens of the district and upazila have expressed their anger after seeing such a picture. They allege that such neglect towards the national flag, the symbol of the country’s independence and sovereignty, is tantamount to extreme irresponsibility and violation of rules. The patriotism of the employees of this office is questionable. If the patriotism and respect of the officials managing government infrastructure is like this, then it is natural that there will be corruption in the country.
It is noteworthy that according to the Bangladesh Flag Rules 1972 (Amended 2023), there are clear instructions to hoist the national flag on all working days in government buildings. Sub-section (1) of Section 6 states, “The flag of Bangladesh shall be hoisted on all working days in important government buildings and offices.” Sections 7 and 8 contain more detailed instructions to protect the dignity of the flag.
It is believed that this rule is being violated due to the negligence of the concerned authorities. Analysts believe that if urgent action is not taken in this regard, the status of the national symbol may be further undermined.
No official comment has been received from the concerned district administration on this matter yet. However, locals hope that the concerned authorities will consider the matter seriously and take appropriate action soon.
