Out with the Old: Bangladesh’s Surprising Banknote Redesign Ignites Debate

In a move that’s got everyone talking, Bangladesh’s central bank has started rolling out new banknotes that no longer feature the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father and the father of recently ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This is the first time in decades that his image is missing from the nation’s currency, and it’s sparking debate across the country.

 

Key Highlights:

 

The new notes, which started circulating this week, now display images of national landmarks and cultural icons instead of political leaders. The central bank says the change is meant to “reflect the country’s heritage and unity.”

 

For years, Sheikh Mujib’s portrait was a fixture on almost every denomination, symbolizing his role in Bangladesh’s independence. With the recent political shift and Sheikh Hasina’s government out of power, critics see the redesign as a clear sign of the new administration’s intent to move away from the previous leadership’s legacy.

 

Supporters of the change argue that focusing on shared national symbols can help heal political divisions. Others, especially Hasina’s party members, call it an attempt to erase history and disrespect the nation’s founding story.

 

For ordinary Bangladeshis, the new notes are both a curiosity and a reminder of how quickly politics can change the everyday things in life. Whether this move brings people together or stirs up more debate, it’s clear that even the money in your pocket can be a sign of the times.

 

Sources: The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune, BBC News