Govt plans to remove Mujib image from notes

Bangladesh's finance ministry has requested new designs for all denominations of banknotes, sparking speculation about the potential exclusion of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's images. The ministry requested specific design proposals for new banknotes, specifically asking for recommendations from the Currency and Design Advisory Committee of the Bangladesh Bank. Currently, all paper notes in Bangladesh feature images of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, with some on both sides and metallic coins featuring his portrait. The introduction of new designs could mark a significant shift from the currency standards established under Sheikh Hasina's government. The central bank has requested six months to prepare new designs for various banknotes, with four different designs for each banknote created in accordance with the guidelines of the Currency and Design Advisory Committee. These designs will then be submitted to the finance ministry for approval. It is estimated that it will take 20 to 22 months for the new banknotes to be circulated in the market. The Bangladesh Bank is set to print new notes, including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's portrait, for the first time since the country's independence in 1972. The implementation of the proposed changes to the approved Tk1,000, Tk500, Tk100, and Tk20 notes is at a preliminary stage, and the bank will continue design work based on new government guidelines, which may include removing Sheikh Mujib's images from the notes entirely.