bangladesh-to-redesign-currency-remove-mujibur-s-image

Bangladesh is set to erase the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding father, from its currency notes, a decision that is expected to mark a significant shift in the country’s political and cultural landscape.

According to reports, Bangladesh Bank has begun printing new notes, which will include references to the July uprising, a student-led protest that forced Hasina to flee to India on August 5. 

The uprising was followed by the appointment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as Chief Adviser to lead an interim government.

The central bank’s decision to remove the image of ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from banknotes comes in the wake of political upheaval in the country.

Banknotes of Taka 20, 100, 500, and 1,000 are being printed in line with the interim government's instructions.

“The new notes will not include the image of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” Bangladesh Bank said.

The redesigned notes will feature religious structures, Bengali traditions, and “graffiti” drawn during the July uprising, according to the central bank’s announcement.

Bangladesh Bank executive director Husneara Shikha confirmed that the new notes are expected to be released within the next six months.

Officials from Bangladesh Bank and the Ministry of Finance revealed that the image of the late leader will be removed from the existing notes in stages, starting with the redesign of the four main denominations.

The redesigning of other notes will follow in phases, as detailed in a proposal submitted by the Finance Ministry’s Finance Institute Division in September.

The removal of Mujibur Rahman’s image reflects growing tensions in Bangladesh.

 

The leader’s legacy came under attack during the student protests, which were initially triggered by a controversial job quota issue. 

Statues and murals bearing his image were targeted as Hasina fled the country, where reports suggest she remains in exile. Her remarks regarding Yunus have further deepened the rift, accusing him of neglecting the protection of minorities, including Hindus.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has labelled Hasina's comments as “hate speech”, and her critics allege that a smear campaign is underway against the Yunus government.