Bangladesh Removes Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Image from New Currency Notes

Dhaka:Bangladesh has introduced newly designed currency notes that no longer feature the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding father and former Prime Minister. The updated notes, currently issued in denominations of 20, 50, and 1000 takas, display natural landscapes and historic landmarks instead of portraits.

According to a spokesperson from Bangladesh Bank, the redesign aims to reflect the country’s cultural and geographic heritage. “This is part of a phased rollout of new notes. The older currency notes and coins will remain in circulation,” the spokesperson stated.

This is not the first time Bangladesh has made significant changes to its currency design. When the country gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 and adopted the name Bangladesh in 1972, its first currency notes featured the national map. During Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s tenure and under the rule of his party, the Awami League, his image became a common feature on currency.

Subsequent governments, particularly led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), introduced notes bearing images of historical and archaeological sites instead.

The latest currency change comes amid ongoing political turmoil in the country. Last year, on August 5, mass protests led to violent clashes and hundreds of deaths. Following the unrest, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and reportedly fled to India. A caretaker government is now overseeing the administration of the country, home to approximately 170 million people.