The Cabinet Division has directed government and statutory institutions to take necessary measures to ensure that the national flag of Bangladesh is displayed in accordance with the prescribed rules and with due respect and dignity.

The directive follows reports that some officials and individuals working in government and statutory institutions have been displaying the national flag vertically on a pole behind their chairs or sofas in office rooms, despite not being authorised or eligible to use it in this manner.

The Cabinet Division recently sent a letter to its subordinate offices, as well as constitutional and autonomous bodies, instructing them to ensure compliance with the relevant rules.

The letter noted that some officials and individuals had been displaying the national flag inside their offices without being entitled or qualified to do so.

According to the *People’s Republic of Bangladesh Flag Rules, 1972*, the national flag may generally be displayed only from sunrise to sunset, except on motor vehicles, watercraft and aircraft, where separate provisions apply. The letter also expressed concern that some offices were keeping the national flag displayed around the clock.

It further noted that the flag was sometimes being used inside office rooms for decoration, ornamentation or as a personal or official backdrop without maintaining its prescribed size, proportions and colours.

Such practices constitute direct violations of the *Bangladesh National Anthem, Flag and Emblem Order, 1972* and the *People’s Republic of Bangladesh Flag Rules, 1972*, the letter stated.

The Cabinet Division has instructed the relevant authorities to take necessary steps to ensure that the national flag is treated with proper respect and dignity. It has also asked them to issue appropriate instructions to their subordinate offices and the constitutional and autonomous bodies under their jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the rules.