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In a major move ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the Bangladesh Bank has announced the release of newly redesigned Tk 20, Tk 50, and Tk 1,000 banknotes, which will begin circulating from June 1. The new notes, featuring modern security features and fresh cultural motifs, mark a notable departure from earlier designs—most strikingly by excluding the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a decision that has already sparked considerable public debate.
The redesigned notes will initially be available only at the central bank’s Motijheel office. In the following days, selected branches of commercial banks in Dhaka will begin distributing them to the public.
Signed by newly appointed Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur, the notes are printed on 100% cotton paper and incorporate multiple advanced security elements. These include colour-shifting threads, microprinting, optically variable ink, see-through features, and the Royal Bengal Tiger watermark, along with the denomination indicator and central bank’s monogram. The Tk 1,000 note alone contains 10 distinct security features to help combat counterfeiting.
Each denomination also presents a fresh visual identity rooted in Bangladesh’s cultural and historical landmarks. The green-colored Tk 20 note features Kantaji Temple and Paharpur Monastery, representing the country’s ancient heritage. The dark brown Tk 50 note highlights Ahsan Manzil and Zainul Abedin’s iconic painting “Sangram,” capturing both architectural beauty and the spirit of resistance. The purple Tk 1,000 note showcases the National Memorial and the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, symbols of the nation’s struggle for independence and its democratic values.
The release comes during a period of high demand for fresh currency, a common tradition ahead of Eid when new notes are often exchanged as festive gifts. No new notes were issued during the last Eid-ul-Fitr, amid political tensions surrounding the portrayal of Bangabandhu on currency. Following the so-called “July Revolution”, the central bank had halted distribution of earlier note versions and banned banks from circulating existing stock.
“This time, only Tk 20, Tk 50, and Tk 1,000 denominations will be released before Eid,” a senior Bangladesh Bank official confirmed. He added that redesigned versions of Tk 5, Tk 10, Tk 100, Tk 200, and Tk 500 will go into production after the Eid holidays.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by Bangladesh Bank to modernize the country’s currency design, strengthen anti-counterfeiting measures, and highlight Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage through symbolic and artistic representation.
