Bangladesh Bank asked to print new notes. Interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Sources of the central bank said that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's picture is being omitted from this note. Initially 4 notes are coming in new design. In these notes, it is planned to attach pictures related to the July-August movement to topple the government and pictures of religious buildings. Those concerned are hoping that if everything is normal, these notes without Bangabandhu's picture will be in the market before next Idul Azhar.
According to Bangladesh Bank sources, the design of four notes of Tk 10, Tk 50, Tk 500 and Tk 500 will be changed. Later, changes will be made to other notes in a step-by-step manner. Sources confirmed that the new notes will not have Bangabandhu's picture.
The work of making new designs has started under the guidance of Finance Department of the Ministry of Finance. Nurun Nahar, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Currency and Design and Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, said that the work of making new notes has progressed a lot. However, no official statement was given regarding the removal of Bangabandhu's photo.
Presently, paper notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 rupees each have a picture of Bangabandhu. Bangabandhu's image is also attached to the metal coins. The decision to remove Bangabandhu's image has received mixed reactions.
Analysts call the removal of Bangabandhu's photo a 'political decision'. It is not just a matter of a design change, but deeply intertwined with history and national identity. However, the government claims that 'public interest and modernity' have been considered in the design of the new notes.
One of the features of the new notes will be various graphics and images of religious institutions from the time of the July Revolution. It will highlight the aesthetics of historical architecture and a chapter on the history of the country.
Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Husne Ara Shikha told Ajker newspaper, 'The work of printing new notes is almost at the end. If all goes well, they will be available in the market very soon. The removal of Bangabandhu's photo is highly confidential. But we hope that the public will accept this change positively.'
A certain amount of money is printed every year and it is stored in the vaults of Bangladesh Bank. They are released in the market as needed. These notes are printed at Bangladesh Mint or The Security Printing Corporation (Bangladesh) Limited.
According to Bangladesh Bank sources, necessary designs and raw materials have been taken for the new notes to be printed in 2024. The security features of the new notes will also be enhanced. This is expected to reduce the risk of counterfeiting.
Meanwhile, criticism and debate about the removal of Bangabandhu's photo continues. An economist said, 'Bangabandhu's picture is not just a symbol of a person. It is a symbol of Bangladesh's independence history. Removing the picture is disrespectful to national history.'
However, the government's argument is that the new notes are being designed in keeping with the country's economic needs and international standards.
There has been mixed reaction among the public regarding the matter. Some feel that this is a positive initiative, which will better represent the country's culture and heritage. But many see it as 'disrespect to the national leader'.
