BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan has called on the interim government to officially recognize March 2 as “National Flag Day.”
Moyeen Khan expressed his surprise, saying: "It is astonishing that even 53 years after independence, we are still debating the recognition of National Flag Day."
He urged the current government to address historical inaccuracies left unresolved by previous administrations and take the necessary steps to establish March 2 as National Flag Day, granting it its rightful status.
"This recognition will not only honor the contributions of student leader ASM Abdur Rab, the then Vice President of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), who hoisted the flag, but also instill pride in every citizen of the country," he said.
Khan was speaking at a protest rally organized by the group Hridoye Pataka 2 March, held at the National Press Club yesterday. The organization is actively advocating for the recognition of March 2 as National Flag Day and plans to submit a memorandum to the president and chief adviser within the next seven days.
The organization's president, Shahana Sultana, emphasized the importance of March 2, saying: "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. Our journey toward independence started with this act."
During the rally, Moyeen Khan recounted historical events, noting that ASM Abdur Rab hoisted the national flag in front of the Kala Bhavan of Dhaka University on March 2, 1971. He explained that on that same day, the session of the then parliament was canceled amidst widespread protests by the democratic people of East Pakistan.
"The flag hoisted that day was not just the familiar red and green—it featured Golden Bangladesh at its center," he said.
Drawing on historical analysis, Khan remarked: "The flag of an independent Bangladesh was raised even before the formal declaration of independence. It was a pivotal moment intertwined with the student-led public movement of August 5."
The senior BNP leader claimed that for the past 15 years, the people of Bangladesh have been protesting against what he described as a fascist regime. "On August 5, the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina was compelled to retreat due to the united efforts of students and the general public. These events, along with the student movements, form an inseparable part of our nation's history, which will continue to be recognized globally."
He called on young students to draw inspiration from the historic red-green flag and its significance.
The rally was attended by Hridoye Pataka 2 March General Secretary Monzur Hossain Esha, as well as other prominent figures, including Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan, JSD Vice President Tania Rob, SM Shamsul Alam Nixon (Chief Adviser of the organizing committee), and Ganatantri Party Organizing Secretary Amir Hossain Amu.
