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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