Latest news with #BangladeshBank
Time of India
an hour ago
- Business
- Time of India
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman cancelled: Bangladesh seeks new 'father' in Pakistan
Bangladesh's retreat from its founding ethos began when in August last year, after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the statue of her father and national founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was toppled by an unruly crowd. Now the erasure of his image from the country's currency a few days ago signals efforts to undo Bangladesh by sliding towards East Pakistan, as the country was known before it broke away from Pakistan. There are reports that the caretaker government under Muhammad Yunus has also revoked Mujib's status as a freedom-fighter, though the government has denied that. These developments not only carry profound domestic implications but also pose serious strategic and national security challenges for India. Disowning the 'Father of the Nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, revered as the Father of the Nation, symbolized Bangladesh's historic break from Pakistan and its embrace of a secular, Bengali nationalism. His leadership in the 1971 liberation war, in collaboration with Indian forces, laid the moral and political bedrock of the republic. His most prominent statue that once stood in Dhaka's Mrityunjayee Prangan was not merely a monument; it was a manifestation of the state's ideological origin story. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bayan Lepas: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo The toppling of the statue and destruction following Hasina's fall by Islamist crowds was an unmistakable political and symbolic repudiation of Mujib's legacy. That repudiation was institutionalized a few days ago, when the Bangladesh Bank issued new Taka 1,000, 50, and 20 notes, pointedly omitting Mujib's image and replacing it with symbols associated with the protest movement. Even more controversially, reports emerged that the interim government had quietly revoked Mujib's status as a freedom-fighter -- a move officially denied, but widely believed to be accurate. These acts are not isolated decisions. They represent a conscious attempt by the emergent political class to move Bangladesh's ideological compass from secularism and regional solidarity with India toward Islamist radicalism and a flirtation with the ideological memory of Pakistan. Live Events A new East Pakistan? Historical revisionism is now visibly underway. The new regime has embarked on a process of educational reform, repositioning Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the opposition BNP and a figure with more ambiguous ties to Pakistan, as the true architect of independence. National holidays commemorating Mujib's birth and death have been removed, and his portrait has been taken down from key state institutions. This erasure of historical memory is accompanied by a resurgence of Islamist narratives. Extremist elements, long marginal in Bangladeshi mainstream politics, have found new political space in the post-Hasina vacuum. Minority Hindu community, historically protected under Awami League governments, has faced large-scale violence and intimidation even as the interim government under Yunus has largely remained silent or tried to negate anti-Hindu violence. What is emerging is a Bangladesh that increasingly resembles the ideological contours of the very state it fought to separate from in 1971, a state defined less by cultural identity and more by Islamist jihadi politics. What Bangladesh's slide into past means for India These internal realignments in Bangladesh have immediate and long-term implications for India, arguably its most consequential regional partner. India's relationship with Bangladesh has historically been defined by shared narratives of liberation, linguistic nationalism and secular values. A Bangladesh that questions its break from Pakistan also implicitly questions the legitimacy of India's role in its birth, thereby altering the moral basis of bilateral cooperation. During Hasina's rule, India did not have to face Islamist radicalism in the east. The resurgence of extremist networks in Bangladesh, particularly those with pan-Islamist sympathies, risks turning the country into a breeding ground for cross-border militancy. Bangladesh's transition has seen the quiet rehabilitation of Islamist clerics and organizations once deemed threats to regional security. If these groups gain deeper political footholds, India's vulnerable northeastern states may face renewed infiltration, radicalization and communal unrest, which India had experienced during the rule of Khaleda Zia who had friendly ties with Pakistan. India and Bangladesh share one of the world's longest porous borders. Political instability, combined with the growing persecution of minorities, could precipitate a renewed wave of migration into Indian territory, particularly into Assam, Tripura, and West Bengal. Such an influx would not only strain local resources but also reignite longstanding ethnic and communal tensions within India. With the retreat of pro-India leadership in Bangladesh as it has recently banned ousted PM Hasina's party Awami League, there are growing indications that Bangladesh may deepen its engagements with Pakistan and China. This includes signs of increased economic and military consultations. A trilateral alignment among these states, however informal, would create a new axis of friction in South Asia, complicating India's efforts to maintain regional equilibrium. Reportedly, Bangladesh has invited China to develop an old airport near Chicken's Neck area, India's sensitive border zone. India must now approach Bangladesh not as a post-liberation ally, but as a fluid and potentially adversarial neighbor. India needs a recalibrated strategy grounded in realism rather than sentiment. This includes enhanced border surveillance, renewed investment in counter-radicalization initiatives in eastern India, and robust diplomatic engagement with minority groups and civil society actors within Bangladesh, in addition increased military vigilance. At stake is not merely the future of bilateral relations, but the strategic architecture of South Asia. Another Pakistan on India's eastern border will plunge the subcontinent into permanent unrest.
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First Post
7 hours ago
- Business
- First Post
Bangladesh's new banknotes will have Hindu temples but no Mujibur Rahman portrait. Here's why
Bangladesh's new currency series eliminates Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's portrait in favour of historic temples, mosques and landmarks. The interim government's sweeping redesign represents a shift in national narrative as Mujib's legacy is downplayed read more A vendor displays fresh notes for clients interested in exchanging them for dirty notes in Dhaka, Bangladesh on August 4, 2003. Representational Image/Reuters Bangladesh has unveiled an entirely reimagined series of banknotes that omit political figures and instead aimed at highlighting cultural, religious and historical heritage. The initiative — carried out under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus — marks a striking departure from the currency designs of previous decades. Until recently, most denominations featured the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, widely acknowledged as the architect of the country's liberation from Pakistan. His image was removed from the new series, and the banknotes now focus on national symbols, architectural landmarks and historical structures. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to central bank officials, the updated designs are intended to reflect national identity while incorporating enhanced security features to counteract forgery. 'Under the new series and design, the notes will not feature any human portraits, but will instead showcase natural landscapes and traditional landmarks,' Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan told AFP. What the new banknotes look like The newly issued notes span all denominations from Tk 1,000 to Tk 2 and feature different elements of Bangladesh's historical and architectural legacy. #Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur handed over images of six newly designed banknotes to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The redesigned notes no longer feature the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. However, the central bank clarified that all existing notes… — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 3, 2025 Each denomination also incorporates watermarks of the Royal Bengal Tiger, the respective denomination numeral, and either the central bank's monogram or the government's emblem, depending on the note. Tk 1,000 note : This high-denomination purple note includes depictions of the National Martyrs' Memorial and the National Parliament House (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban). Tk 500 note : Green in colour, this note features the Central Shaheed Minar and the Supreme Court, with the national flower, the Shapla, in the background. Tk 200 note : Yellow-toned, it displays the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture of Dhaka University alongside student-created graffiti from the July 2024 demonstrations. Tk 100 note : Dominated by blue, the front side shows the Shait-Gumbuz Mosque in Bagerhat, while the reverse features scenes from the Sundarbans. Tk 50 note : This note includes Ahsan Manzil — an iconic palace in Dhaka — and a painting by celebrated artist Zainul Abedin that depicted the Bengal famine. Tk 20 note : Introduced on June 1, it displays the 18th-century Kantajew Temple in Dinajpur and the Paharpur Buddhist Vihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Naogaon district. Tk 10 note : Pink-coloured, the note contains Baitul Mukarram Mosque and protest graffiti. Tk 5 note : Also pink, it portrays the Tara Mosque on the front and more graffiti on the reverse. Tk 2 note: Light green in appearance, this smallest denomination shows the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur on the front and the Rayer Bazar Memorial on the back. These notes are now being circulated gradually. While the Tk 1,000, Tk 50, and Tk 20 notes were the first to be released, others — including Tk 500, Tk 200, Tk 100, Tk 10, Tk 5, and Tk 2 — will follow over time. Bangladesh's central bank has assured that older notes and coins will remain legal tender during the transition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why Bangladesh removed Mujib from currency notes The release of these new banknotes is taking place against the backdrop of major political upheaval. The previous Awami League government, led by Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Mujibur Rahman, was removed from power following widespread student-led demonstrations in 2024. Since then, the interim administration has been undertaking actions to distance state narratives from the legacy of the former ruling family. Among these changes was the decision to not issue any new banknotes during the Eid season last year — an unusual move that coincided with the government prohibiting the circulation of stored notes carrying Mujib's image. In the education sector, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has revised content across 441 school textbooks for the 2025 academic year. These changes have removed or rephrased references to Mujibur Rahman's leadership in the country's independence movement. Some of the new material now attributes the declaration of independence to General Ziaur Rahman — once a military leader and later president. The Daily Star reported that over 400 million revised textbooks have already been distributed to schools. The interim government has also amended the JAMUNA Act. The amendment strips Mujibur Rahman and more than 400 political leaders elected during the 1970 elections of their official status as 'freedom fighters.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Instead, the revised ordinance reclassifies them as 'associates of the Liberation War.' This redefinition applies to five groups, including members of the provisional Mujibnagar government. What we know of the temple on the bank notes One of the most prominent and widely discussed design choices is the inclusion of the Kantajew Temple on the Tk 20 note. This 18th-century Hindu temple is known for its intricate terracotta architecture and cultural significance. Kantanagar Temple, also known as Kantaji Temple or Kantajew Temple in Kantanagar, Dinajpur, Bangladesh, is an 18th-century Hindu temple. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deities Kanta or Krishna and is particularly revered by followers of the Radha-Krishna cult, known for… — GemsOfINDOLOGY (@GemsOfINDOLOGY) March 25, 2024 In December 2015, the temple was the target of a bomb attack during Rash Mela festivities. The perpetrators — linked to the banned terrorist organisation New Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (New JMB), an affiliate of ISIS — were arrested, though the group did not officially claim responsibility. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More recently, the temple site became the centre of controversy when reports surfaced in 2024 about a mosque being built within its premises. The incident provoked strong objections from the Hindu community, who viewed the construction as an encroachment on their sacred site. Despite these tensions, the temple remains one of Bangladesh's most visited religious monuments. The inclusion of religious and cultural structures on the banknotes spans across communities. For example, the Shait Gumbad Mosque appears on the Tk 100 note, Baitul Mukarram Mosque on the Tk 10 note, and Tara Mosque on the Tk 5 note. The Paharpur Monastery, featured on the back of the Tk 20 note, reflects Buddhist heritage and is considered one of the most significant ancient monasteries in South Asia, dating back to the 8th century and built under the Pala dynasty. What the response has been The interim government's currency overhaul has not gone without criticism. Political observers have accused the administration of attempting to systematically dilute Mujibur Rahman's contribution to the country's history. His leadership during the nine-month Liberation War in 1971, during which India played a crucial role, has long been a cornerstone of the national narrative. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Still, Bangladesh Bank insists that the new series is meant to display national unity, diversity, and cultural pride while bolstering the security of the currency. Press releases have promised that the bank will continue informing the public about each new note's security elements and design features as they are introduced. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Bangladesh drops Sheikh Mujib from currency, adds temples, landmarks
For the first time in more than five decades, the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, has been removed from new banknotes. The redesigned notes, released on Sunday (June 1), now feature motifs of Hindu and Buddhist temples, traditional landmarks, and celebrated national artwork — signalling a significant symbolic shift in the country's political and cultural narrative. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the first President and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, had appeared on every banknote since the nation's birth in 1971. However, with the ouster of his daughter and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year, the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus had announced a phased revamp of the country's currency, aimed at removing political iconography. No human portraits in new currency design According to Bangladesh Bank, the newly issued notes — Tk 1000, Tk 50, and Tk 20 — do not carry any human portraits. Instead, they celebrate Bangladesh's cultural heritage and natural beauty. 'Under the new series and design, the notes will not feature any human portraits, but will instead showcase natural landscapes and traditional landmarks,' said Bangladesh Bank spokesman Arif Hossain Khan in a statement to AFP. He added, 'The new notes will be issued from the central bank's headquarters, and later from its other offices across the country. The other denominations of the notes with new designs will be released in phases.' The new designs include depictions of Hindu and Buddhist temples, artwork by the late Zainul Abedin, and the National Martyrs' Memorial, which commemorates those who died in the 1971 liberation war against Pakistan. Political backdrop: Hasina indicted for mass murder The currency redesign comes at a politically charged time. On the same day the new notes were unveiled, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal formally indicted Sheikh Hasina in absentia for her role in the deadly 2024 crackdown on student-led protests. Prosecutors accused the former prime minister of 'exercising absolute authority to ruthlessly suppress the uprising', levelling mass murder charges and issuing a fresh arrest warrant against Hasina and then Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Hasina fled to India in August last year after weeks of nationwide unrest, ending her 15-year rule. Since then, the country has been governed by a caretaker administration headed by Muhammad Yunus. In May, the Awami League — Hasina's party — was banned pending the outcome of the trials. A currency shaped by politics This is not the first time Bangladesh's currency has changed in response to political shifts. In 1972, the newly independent country issued notes featuring a map of Bangladesh after gaining freedom from Pakistan. Later, under the rule of the Awami League, notes prominently featured Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. During the rule of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader Khaleda Zia, the currency showcased archaeological and historical sites instead of political figures. With the current transition, the new banknotes reflect the Yunus-led administration's stated aim to promote inclusivity and national heritage over political legacy. However, the co-existence of old and new notes — both now in legal circulation — marks a period of visual and ideological overlap in Bangladesh's evolving identity.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Bangladesh Drops Bangabandhu From Taka. Hindu, Buddhist Heritage Showcased
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Bangladesh unveiled new currency notes without Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's image. Critics argue this decision undermines the legacy of the nation's founder. The new notes will feature cultural landmarks instead of human portraits. Dhaka: Bangladesh's interim government has taken another step in eroding the legacy of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of the nation. On Monday, Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh, unveiled new currency notes that will soon come into circulation - however, these won't feature Bangabandhu on it. Critics of the Yunus Government see this as an effort to wipe out the legacy of the Father of the Nation. This comes after other similar steps, like rewriting history books and diluting Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's contribution in Bangladesh's freedom struggle, and removing his statues from several prominent locations. Instead of Sheikh Mujib, the redesigned Taka notes feature the cultural landmarks of Bangladesh. Since 1971, when Bangladesh gained independence from West Pakistan, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman's image has featured on all banknotes. Justifying the decision to remove Bangabandhu's image, authorities in Bangladesh say that the move is a step towards depoliticising national symbols amid heightened political tension in the country. Besides landmarks of historical and cultural significance to Islam, the new banknotes, authorities say, also include images of Hindu and Buddhist temples. This comes at a time when Dhaka is facing international pressure over the plight of minorities in Bangladesh. Earlier this year, while announcing the new banknotes, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus had said that they will incorporate the "historical and archaeological architecture of Bangladesh". Giving a glimpse of what the new currency notes would look like, Mr Yunus wrote on social media platform X that he had been "handed over images of six newly designed banknotes following a meeting of the advisory council" at his Office today. Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Ahsan H. Mansur, accompanied by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma and Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, handed over images of six newly designed… — Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) June 2, 2025 Arif Hossain Khan, spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank - the country's central bank - told news agency AFP that "Under the new series and design, the notes will not feature any human portraits, but will instead showcase natural landscapes and traditional landmarks." Releasing notes for three denominations - Taka 1000, Taka 50, and Taka 20 - Bangladesh Bank said that all existing banknotes and coins featuring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will also remain in circulation alongside the new notes. In April this year, an order by the interim government to halt the issue of currency notes featuring Bangabandhu had led to the abrupt halt in printing and circulating cash in the country. This led to a shortfall of currency notes in the market. According to sources, Bangladesh Bank reports an annual demand for 1.5 billion new bank notes of different denominations. The country does not have the capacity to replace the existing currency notes, especially in the informal economy which forms around an estimated 40 per cent of GDP of the country largely dependent on cash transactions.
The Print
2 days ago
- Business
- The Print
Bangladesh replaces its founder Mujibur Rehman with temples, landmarks in new currency notes
The Bangladesh Bank has unveiled redesigned Tk 20, Tk 50, and Tk 1,000 notes ahead of Eid. 'Under the new series and design, the notes will not feature any human portraits, but will instead showcase natural landscapes and traditional landmarks,' Bangladesh Bank spokesman Arif Hossain Khan told AFP. The new notes will showcase symbols of the country's heritage, including temples, monasteries, historic buildings, and artwork by Zainul Abedin, a prominent Bangladeshi artist. New Delhi: Bangladesh's central bank, under Nobel Laureate Mohammad Yunus' interim administration, has dropped the portrait of the country's founding father and exiled leader Sheikh Hasina's father Sheikh Mujibur Rehman from new currency notes. The Tk 20 note features the Kantaji Temple, a Hindu temple in Dinajpur, and the Paharpur Monastery. The Tk 50 note showcases Ahsan Manzil, a palace in capital Dhaka and a famine-era painting by Zainul Abedin. The Tk 1,000 note, printed in purple, includes images of the National Martyrs' Memorial and the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. All three bear the Royal Bengal Tiger watermark and the bank's monogram. The redesigned notes are being introduced following a political controversy over Sheikh Mujibur Rehman's face on the currency notes. Last Eid, despite tradition, no new notes were issued. After the July protests and the ousting of ex-Prime Minister Hasina, the central bank barred commercial banks from circulating stored notes bearing Mujib's image. The central bank says the new designs aim to curb counterfeiting while emphasising national identity through depictions of historic and religious landmarks. The updated banknotes will gradually replace existing notes, though older versions featuring Mujib's portrait as well as current coins will remain legal tender, The Daily Star reported. Also Read: Retd Bangladeshi major general calls for 'occupation' of India's Northeast if it attacks Pakistan Symbolic changes The currency redesign is the latest in a series of symbolic changes made under the interim administration. Similar changes have surfaced in the education sector. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has revised the content of 441 textbooks for the 2025 academic year, removing or altering references to Mujib's role in Bangladesh's independence. Some new textbooks now credit General Ziaur Rahman with declaring the country's freedom, reversing decades of official narrative. Over 400 million updated textbooks have already been distributed to students nationwide, according to The Daily Star. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also Read: Shake-ups & protests lay bare simmering fault lines between Yunus govt & Bangladesh's diplomats
