December carries a different kind of warmth in the air. Towns and villages paint their streets in shades of red and green as the Month of Victory approaches.
National flags of various sizes flutter in the breeze, tied to long bamboo poles. Carrying these poles on their shoulders, mobile flag vendors walk from street to street.
Their calls, their shouts, and the flapping sound of the flags seem to echo the story of independence earned through the blood and sacrifice of heroes.
On Wednesday afternoon (10 December), such a scene unfolded in Cox’s Bazar’s hotel-motel zone, where one could spot flag vendor Abul Hashem.
For many years, he has traveled across different districts and upazilas in the country, selling national flags and patriotic items on the occasions of Victory Day, Independence Day, and Language Martyrs’ Day.
Hashem’s bamboo poles are lined with small, medium, and large flags. Prices vary by size—large flags cost Tk 300, medium Tk 250, and small Tk 150. Handheld flags mounted on sticks sell for Tk 10 each.
Red-and-green headbands are priced at Tk 10, while wristbands cost Tk 50. Despite bargaining from customers, his daily sales average between Tk 3,000 and Tk 5,000.
The vendors do more than just sell flags—they dress the part too. Red-and-green bandanas on their heads and flag-themed outfits turn them into symbols of victory themselves. People of all ages, from children to the elderly, stop looking.
Some buy large flags, others choose a small bandana—but the festive excitement spreads among everyone.
“Three times a year—Victory Day, Independence Day, and Language Day—are our busiest,” Abul Hashem said. “That’s when people’s love for the country becomes most visible.”
In the Month of Victory, these mobile red-and-green vendors sell more than merchandise. They spread patriotism, memories of independence, and the joy of victory.
Their calls, the sway of flags on their shoulders, and their colourful attire remind passersby of a simple truth—we are a free nation, with a history of victory worth taking pride in.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
