The interim government has announced a significant redesign of the country’s currency, starting with the Tk20, Tk100, Tk500, and Tk1,000 denominations where the new notes will no longer feature the image of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 

The Ministry of Finance and Bangladesh Bank confirmed the decision, marking a shift from the current designs that prominently display the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

On September 29, a letter from the Ministry of Finance, instructed Bangladesh Bank to submit detailed design proposals for the new notes. The central bank’s Currency and Design Advisory Committee will play a key role in evaluating and recommending these changes.

"It is requested to send the specific proposal to the finance division as soon as possible after accepting the recommendation of the Currency and Design Advisory Committee of the Bangladesh Bank," the letter read.

It also urged prompt action in finalizing the designs.

The decision to remove Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image is seen as a departure from the past practice under the Sheikh Hasina government, which prominently featured his likeness on both sides of several notes and even on coins.

Currently, paper notes from Tk2 to Tk1,000 all bear his photograph.

bd-pratidin/GR