Caretaker Government Unveils New Banknotes, Reflecting Political Shift in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has begun issuing new banknotes removing images of its founding president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as the country’s caretaker government navigates a turbulent political climate. The move comes as the trial of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mujibur Rahman’s daughter, begins in her absence on charges of orchestrating crimes against humanity. Hasina, 77, was overthrown in August 2024 following a student-led uprising and fled the country soon after.
According to Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan, the redesigned notes will feature natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural symbols instead of human portraits. The new series includes images of Hindu and Buddhist temples, ancient palaces, the National Martyrs’ Memorial, and artwork by renowned painter Zainul Abedin. Three of the nine denominations were released on Sunday, with the rest to be rolled out in phases, while existing notes and coins will remain valid.
This marks yet another moment where Bangladesh’s currency reflects its shifting political landscape. In 1972, post-independence notes displayed a map of Bangladesh, which was later replaced with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portrait under successive Awami League governments. Rival regimes, like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, favored showcasing national monuments and historic sites instead — a practice now revived under the caretaker setup.
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