B Mirror Desk : Bangladesh Bank plans to unveil redesigned currency notes ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with some notes omitting the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The new designs will focus on the martyrs of the July Revolution, youth, the Sundarbans, and various elements of heritage and culture.

According to sources, the 20-taka note featuring Kantaji Temple and a Buddhist Temple is set to be released on May 27. The 50-taka note, adorned with Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin’s famine painting and Atia Mosque, is expected to be available around May 29 or 30. The 1,000-taka note, showcasing Bangabhaban and the National Martyrs’ Memorial, is anticipated to launch on June 2.

However, the release of the 5-taka note, which depicts July martyrs Abu Sayeed and Mughda, will be postponed until after Eid due to delays in paper supply from Europe. Bangladesh Bank’s spokesperson and Executive Director Arif Hossain Khan confirmed that the new note designs have been finalized, with paper procured and printing underway for various denominations, including the 1,000-taka note. Notably, this series will not feature any full human images, instead highlighting the martyrs of the July Revolution, youth, the Sundarbans, and diverse cultural traditions.

A representative from Bangladesh Bank stated that the 5 taka note will feature images of Abu Sayeed and Mughdhar. The 10 taka note will showcase the symbol of youth unity along with the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The 100 taka note will depict the UNESCO-recognized Sundarbans, including a deer and a tiger. The 200 taka note will represent religious diversity with images of mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas, while the 500 taka note will illustrate the historical Ahsan Manzil.

Following independence, Bangladesh launched its own paper currency on March 4, 1972, starting with a 1 taka note that displayed a map. In 1973, the country introduced 5, 10, and 100 taka notes, followed by the 50 and 500 taka notes in 1976. The 20 taka note was released in 1979, and the 2 taka note in 1988. The highest denomination, the 1000 taka note, was introduced on July 17, 2009, with the latest addition being the 200 taka note in 2020.