New Currency: Bangladesh issues new 10, 100, 200, 500 rupee notes without Sheikh Mujiburahman’s picture
New Currency: Bangladesh Bank has issued new notes in denominations of 10, 100, 200 and 500 Bangladeshi Taka, which is effective in the country from June 1, 2025. The new notes reflect the changing political and cultural landscape of the country.
New Currency: Taking an important step, the Yunus government of Bangladesh has issued new currency notes in the country, the picture of the Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, popularly known as ‘Bangabandhu’, is not printed on the new notes, that is, the picture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been removed from the currency of Bangladesh.
In fact, Bangladesh Bank has issued new notes in denominations of 10, 100, 200 and 500 Bangladeshi Taka, which is effective in the country from June 1, 2025. The new notes reflect the changing political and cultural landscape of the country. The current government has taken this decision after removing Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh in August 2024. Sheikh Hasina had to step down from power after the student-led movement.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman photo not on new notes
Historically, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s picture had featured prominently on Bangladeshi currency since 1972, symbolising his key role in gaining independence from Pakistan in 1971. However, this new design by the interim government is part of an attempt to redefine Bangladesh’s identity, with an emphasis on the July 2024 movement, Bengali traditions and religious sites.
The new notes feature images of Hindu and Buddhist temples, historic palaces, painter Zainul Abedin’s artwork depicting the Bengal famine, and the National Martyrs’ Memorial. Not only this, the new notes also include graffiti from the July protests, reflecting the revolutionary spirit that led to Hasina’s ouster from power.
The Bangladesh Bank began distributing these notes initially in limited quantities from its Motijheel office, and plans for wider circulation after Eid-ul-Azha. However, existing notes with Rahman’s picture will still be in circulation, allowing the change to be gradual.
These changes on new notes
The process, initiated by the Finance Ministry in September 2024, involves the Currency and Design Advisory Committee, which plans to implement new designs across all denominations in the future. Bangladesh Bank spokesman Arif Hussain Khan said the notes will focus on natural scenes and cultural sites, not pictures of individuals.
However, the move has evoked mixed reactions in Bangladesh. Some see it as a step towards a modern and inclusive identity, while others see it as an attempt to erase Rahman’s legacy, especially after incidents of vandalism on his statues during the movement. With an estimated 374,602 crore taka in circulation by February 2025, the new design reflects a transformative moment in Bangladesh’s history, combining its rich heritage with its changing political landscape.
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