Ansar DG faces backlash for not hoisting national flag on Martyrs' Day

A major controversy has erupted over the hoisting of the force's flag instead of the national flag in Gazipur on the occasion of the Great Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day. The incident has sparked discussions and criticism locally, while intense reactions have also been observed on social media.

On Saturday morning, a formal programme was organised at the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force Academy in Safipur, Gazipur, to inaugurate and install the country's tallest flag stand. Director General of Ansar and VDP Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud attended the event as the chief guest.

According to concerned sources, the plan was to hoist the national flag at the newly constructed 120-foot flag stand at 11 am in observance of the significance of the Great Martyrs' Day. Various preparations were made in a formal atmosphere at the academy premises, and the programme commenced with the presence of force members.

The Director General first inaugurated the flag stand. Later during the programme, he hoisted the approximately 28-foot-long flag of Ansar and VDP. A guard of honour was presented to him by the force, and attending officers paid their respects.

However, the absence of the national flag hoisting as per the predetermined schedule immediately raised questions among journalists present. When journalists approached the Director General for clarification after the formal part of the event, he briefly stated that the flag stand was installed and the flag hoisted to boost the morale of Ansar and VDP members, and that it would remain hoisted round the clock.

Many were not satisfied with his response. As pressure from journalists' questions increased, he left the venue at one point. Later, ordinary Ansar members present took the initiative to hoist the national flag on the same flag stand, which many present considered an attempt to manage the situation.