Adopted in 1972
| Capital | Dhaka |
|---|---|
| Population | 173 562 364 inh. |
| Area | 147 570 km² |
| Population density | 1176.1 inh./km² |
| Local time | --:-- |
| Language(s) | Bengali |
| Political system | Unitary parliamentary republic |
| National anthem | Amar Shonar Bangla (My Golden Bengal) |
| Currency | Bangladeshi taka (BDT) |
| Land borders | India, Myanmar |
| Maritime borders | Bay of Bengal |
The flag: history and symbolism
Flag History
The first flag of Bangladesh was raised in early March 1971 at the University of Dhaka by the student leader A. S. M. Abdur Rab, a few weeks before the start of the Liberation War against Pakistan. At that time, it bore a yellow map of East Pakistan inside the red disc.
After independence was won in December 1971, the flag was simplified on 13 January 1972: the map was removed and the red disc was moved slightly towards the hoist.
The current flag is therefore a red disc on a green field, with no other element.
Meaning of Colours & Emblems
The two elements of the Bangladeshi flag have a clear meaning:
- Green: the lushness of the land of Bengal, its rice fields and its youth.
- Red disc: the sun rising over Bengal, and the blood of those who died during the Liberation War of 1971.
Anecdotes & Fun Facts
The red disc is not exactly in the centre: it is shifted towards the hoist so that it appears centred when the flag flies in the wind.
According to the most common explanation, the map on the first flag was removed because it was difficult to reproduce accurately on both sides of the cloth.
The Bangladeshi flag resembles that of Japan, which places a red disc on a white field, and that of Palau, which has a yellow disc on a blue field.
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Sport and history
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Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Bangladesh?
Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh.
What do the colours of the flag of Bangladesh mean?
The two elements of the Bangladeshi flag have a clear meaning: Green: the lushness of the land of Bengal, its rice fields and its youth. Red disc: the sun rising over Bengal, and the blood of those who died during the Liberation War of 1971.