Article 4 National anthem, flag and emblem
National anthem, flag and emblem
The symbols appear on currency, passports and public buildings. Businesses using the flag or emblem in branding must follow the rules made under this article.
Article 4 fixes the flag as a red circle resting on a green background. Government buildings fly it daily, and it is lowered to half-mast on days of national mourning under the flag rules. Its proportions and colours are set out in detail by those rules.
The anthem is the first ten lines of 'Amar Sonar Bangla'. It is sung at school assemblies, state ceremonies and international matches, and citizens are expected to stand when it is played. Its words and music are fixed by Article 4 and cannot be changed without an amendment.
Clause (4) lets Parliament make detailed provisions. The flag rules and related laws govern size, colours, display and misuse, so the emblem on official stationery and coins follows a fixed design. Misuse of these symbols can lead to penalties under the relevant rules.
In plain English
How Article 4 works
Article 4 sets out the main symbols of the state. The national anthem is the first ten lines of 'Amar Sonar Bangla', written by Rabindranath Tagore. The national flag is a red circle on a green background. The national emblem is the water lily, the Shapla, resting on water, with an ear of paddy on each side, three connected jute leaves above it and two stars on each side of the leaves. The article lets Parliament make detailed rules on how these symbols are used, which is done through laws and rules on the flag and anthem.
In practice
Article 4 has been stable since 1972. Detailed use of the flag is governed by the People's Republic of Bangladesh Flag Rules, and the emblem appears on official documents and currency. The July National Charter reform proposals do not include any change to the anthem, flag or emblem, according to published summaries, and the article remains unchanged as of October 2026.
The text
What Article 4 says
4. (1) The national anthem of the Republic is the first ten lines of “Amar Sonar Bangla”.
(2) The national flag of the Republic shall consist of a circle, coloured red throughout its area, resting on a green background.
(3) The national emblem of the Republic is the national flower Shapla (nymphaea nouchali) resting on water, having on each side an ear of paddy and being surmounted by three connected leaves of jute with two stars on each side of the leaves.
(4) Subject to the foregoing clauses, provisions relating to the national anthem, flag and emblem shall be made by law.
English text as published on the official Laws of Bangladesh website. Where a court has changed the position, the status note above explains it.
Connected provisions
Related articles
Questions
Article 4: frequently asked questions
What is the national anthem of Bangladesh under Article 4?
Article 4(1) states that the national anthem is the first ten lines of 'Amar Sonar Bangla', a song by Rabindranath Tagore. It has been the anthem since the Constitution took effect in December 1972.
What does the national emblem of Bangladesh show?
Under Article 4(3), the emblem is the national flower Shapla, a water lily, resting on water, with an ear of paddy on each side, surmounted by three connected jute leaves with two stars on each side of the leaves.
Sources
This guide explains the Constitution for general understanding. It is not legal advice. Constitutional reform proposals under discussion in 2026 are described as proposals until enacted.
Constitutional and writ practice
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