Dhaka, Bangladesh – Bangladesh has embarked on a significant redesign of its national currency, the Taka, with a new series of banknotes that notably remove the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, states that the new designs, which began circulation on June 1, 2025, aim to “depoliticize national symbols” and focus on Bangladesh’s rich “historical and archaeological architecture,” natural landscapes, and cultural landmarks.
For decades, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image has been a ubiquitous feature on all Bangladeshi banknotes, symbolizing his pivotal role in leading the nation to independence in 1971. This latest move by the Yunus administration, which came to power after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (Mujibur Rahman’s daughter) in August 2024, is part of a broader effort to redefine national identity.
New Designs Emphasize Cultural Richness:
The Bangladesh Bank, the country’s central bank, has initially released new notes in denominations of Tk 20, Tk 50, and Tk 1,000, with other denominations to follow in phases. The new designs are a stark departure from previous ones, featuring a diverse array of cultural and historical motifs:
Tk 20 note: Features the ancient Kantaji Temple and the ruins of the Paharpur Buddhist Monastery, highlighting Bangladesh’s multi-religious heritage.
Bottom (back): Somapura Mahavihara Buddhist monastery, Naoga
Tk 50 note: Displays the historic Ahsan Manzil, a prominent palace in Dhaka, and incorporates the powerful artwork “Sangram” by the renowned painter Zainul Abedin, depicting the Bengal famine.
Bottom (back): “The Struggle” (painting by Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin
Tk 1,000 note: Showcases the National Martyrs’ Memorial, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War. It also features the Bangabhaban (President’s official residence) and the national flower, the shapla.
Bottom (back): Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House), Dhaka
Other denominations, to be released gradually, are expected to feature sites like the Central Shaheed Minar, Aparajeyo Bangla, the Sixty Dome Mosque, the Sundarbans, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Tara Mosque, and the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial. Some notes will also incorporate graffiti from the July 2024 student protests that led to the change in government.
Arif Hossain Khan, spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank, confirmed the shift in design philosophy, stating, “Under the new series and design, the notes will not feature any human portraits, but will instead showcase natural landscapes and traditional landmarks.”
Mixed Reactions Among Prominent Voices:
The decision has elicited a range of reactions across Bangladesh, reflecting the nation’s complex political landscape.
- Supporters of the interim government view it as a necessary step towards a more inclusive national identity, moving away from a personality-centric approach to national symbols. They argue that it represents an attempt to foster unity amid heightened political tensions and to highlight the nation’s diverse heritage.
- However, critics, particularly those aligned with the Awami League and supporters of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy, view the removal of his image as an attempt to “erase” or “dilute” the contribution of the Father of the Nation. This move comes after other symbolic changes by the interim government, including the revision of history textbooks and the removal of Mujibur Rahman’s statues from some prominent locations.
Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser, recently shared images of the newly designed banknotes on social media, emphasizing the focus on “historical and archaeological architecture of Bangladesh.”
While the new notes are now in circulation, the Bangladesh Bank has assured the public that all existing banknotes and coins featuring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will remain legal tender and continue to circulate alongside the new series, ensuring a gradual transition. The central bank plans for wider distribution of the new notes after the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha holidays.
