Bangladesh has started issuing new banknotes on Sunday, June 1, which no longer feature the image of former prime minister and founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is also the father of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, appears on all Bangladeshi currency notes.
However, following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and the country’s political crisis, Bangladesh Bank announced last year that it would work on issuing new banknotes.
Bangladesh Bank spokesman Arif Hussain Khan told AFP that the new currency will focus on Bangladesh’s natural landscapes and landmarks.
“Under the new series and new design, there will be no portraits on the banknotes, but natural landscapes and traditional landmarks,” Khan said.
According to AFP, the new banknotes will feature images of Hindu and Buddhist temples, artwork by the late Zain Abedin, and the National Martyrs’ Memorial to commemorate those who died in the 1971 Liberation War.
Bangladesh Bank has issued three different denominations of notes.
“The new notes will be issued at the central bank’s headquarters and later in other branches across the country. Other denominations of new notes will also be issued in phases,” Khan added.
This is not the first time Bangladesh has changed its currency. The country changed its currency in 1972 after independence from Pakistan. The notes featured a map of the newly formed country.
After these initial notes, the new sect was represented by Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
During the rule of other parties such as the Bangladesh National Party, the currency would include historical and archaeological sites.
