BANGLADESH

CURRENT NAVAL & MILITARY FLAGS

The national flag of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh is green with a large red disc set slightly toward the hoist. The green field symbolizes the lush vegetation of the country, vitality and prosperity, while the red disc represents the rising sun of freedom and the blood shed in the struggle for independence from Pakistan. The current flag was adopted in 1972, one year after the country gained its independence. The national flag used from 1971 to 1972 was similar, but included the map of Bangladesh in yellow on the red disc. This design was judged to be too complicated, and it was abolished in favor of the current simple flag. Reflecting its past association with Great Britain, Bangladesh has adopted a range of maritime and military flags that follow British practice. The naval ensign is white with the national flag as a canton, while the naval jack is the national flag. The commissioning pennant is green, with the red disc made oval in shape. The air force ensign and army flag also follow British models. The naval rank flags, however, are similar to those of Pakistan: dark blue with the badge of the Navy and stars according to rank in white. Some sources include a five-star flag for the rank of Admiral of the Fleet. Given the small size of the Bangladesh Navy, it seems unlikely that this flag is actually in use. Flag Proportions: The naval ensign, naval jack and air force ensign are made in 1:2 proportions. The army flag and naval appointment/rank flags are made in 2:3 proportions.

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