No more flagpoles behind office chairs

The Cabinet Division has instructed government and statutory organisations not to display the national flag vertically on a pole behind chairs or sofas in office rooms, warning that improper use of the flag violates national regulations.

The directive also prohibits keeping the national flag displayed continuously inside offices or using it for decoration, ornamentation, or as a personal or official backdrop.

In a letter dated on October 11, the Cabinet Division requested senior secretaries and secretaries to issue the necessary instructions to their subordinate offices, constitutional bodies and autonomous organisations.

The letter said the division had recently observed that some officials and individuals working in government and statutory institutions were displaying the national flag vertically on poles behind their office chairs or sofas, despite not being entitled or eligible to do so.

According to the Bangladesh Flag Rules, 1972, the national flag may generally be displayed only from sunrise to sunset, except when displayed on motor vehicles, watercraft and aircraft, the letter noted.

However, some offices have been keeping the flag displayed throughout the day and night, contrary to the prescribed rules.

The Cabinet Division also expressed concern over the use of flags with incorrect dimensions, proportions or colours inside office rooms for decorative purposes or as backgrounds for personal and official activities.

Such practices constitute direct violations of the Bangladesh National Anthem, Flag and Emblem Order, 1972, and the national flag rules, the letter said.

The directive seeks to ensure that government officials and institutions observe the prescribed regulations and maintain the dignity of Bangladesh’s national flag through proper and authorised use.