On 26 March, MINURSO celebrated the National Day of Bangladesh by raising its 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.

Bangladesh is the third largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, including 30 military personnel in MINURSO where the Force Commander as well as the Mission's medical unit are from Bangladesh.

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.