On 26 March, MINURSO celebrated Bangladesh’s National Day by raising its national flag at the Mission headquarters in Laayoune next to the UN flag.

On this day, Bangladesh marks its declaration of independence in 1971. It is celebrated nationwide with parades, political speeches, fairs, concerts, ceremonies and other public and private events recalling the history and traditions of Bangladesh.

According to  UN official figures issued as of 30 November 2023, Bangladesh is the second  largest contributors of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, including 28 military personnel in MINURSO where the Force Commander and the Medical Unit are Bangladeshi.

The Bangladeshi flag consists of a dark green field with a red disc at the center. The disc represents the sun rising over the country, and its red color represents the blood that the people of Bangladesh shed during their war of independence.