Dhaka: Bangladesh has introduced a new series of banknotes that no longer feature the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father and former prime minister. The redesigned notes, announced by the central bank on Sunday, instead highlight the nation’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historic landmarks.
This marks a major departure from decades of tradition, as all existing banknotes prominently display Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image. He is widely revered for leading Bangladesh to independence from Pakistan in 1971, before being assassinated in a military coup in 1975.
Landmarks replace human figures
According to Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan, the new currency series aims to represent the country’s natural and cultural identity without featuring any human figures. “The new series of notes will focus on natural landscapes and traditional landmarks,” Khan told AFP.
Among the designs are illustrations of Hindu and Buddhist temples, historical palaces, and a notable piece by acclaimed artist Zainul Abedin portraying the Bengal famine under British colonial rule. Another denomination showcases the National Martyrs’ Memorial, honoring those who died in the liberation war.
Gradual rollout amid continuity
Currently, three out of the nine planned denominations have been released. The remaining denominations will be introduced gradually. The new notes are initially being distributed from the central bank’s headquarters and will later be made available through regional branches. The central bank clarified that the existing notes bearing Mujibur Rahman’s portrait, along with all coins, will continue to be legal tender and circulate alongside the new series.
This isn’t the first time Bangladesh’s banknotes have reflected political shifts. After gaining independence in 1971, the first notes featured the newly drawn national map. During the rule of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under Khaleda Zia, banknotes highlighted historical sites and archaeological landmarks instead of political figures.
The current redesign comes in the wake of major political turmoil. Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Mujibur Rahman and longtime leader of the Awami League, fled to India in August last year following a student-led uprising. Since then, the country has been under a caretaker government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Earlier today, Bangladeshi prosecutors formally charged Hasina in absentia with crimes against humanity related to her alleged role in the 2024 crackdown on protestors. This follows last month’s ban on the Awami League, pending the trial of Hasina and other party leaders.
