Islamabad, 2 June 2025: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image will no longer appear on Bangladesh’s newly issued banknotes, marking a historic shift in the country’s approach to its national symbols.
For the first time since independence, the currency is being reimagined without the face of the nation’s founding father.
Bangladesh Bank has unveiled a redesigned series of notes that spotlight the country’s scenic beauty, heritage architecture, and iconic landscapes eschewing portraits of political figures altogether.
Authorities say the move is intended to emphasize the cultural and environmental richness of the nation, offering a broader reflection of Bangladesh’s collective identity.
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The redesign comes in the wake of significant political developments. The recent removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration, coupled with the disbanding of the ruling Awami League party, has dramatically altered the political landscape.
Observers interpret the change in currency design as a symbolic distancing from past political eras, especially those closely associated with the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image.
While some view the change as a modernization effort, others see it as a deliberate break from decades of state symbolism tied to a singular figure. T
he new notes replace political imagery with depictions of national landmarks such as historic temples, coastal vistas, and traditional village scenes.
Currently, three out of nine denominations have been issued in the updated format. The full set will be rolled out in phases over the coming months.
Importantly, all previous versions of the currency, including those featuring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image, will remain in circulation and retain their legal tender status.
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Officials at Bangladesh Bank emphasized that the overhaul aims to unify citizens around shared cultural values rather than individual political narratives. The transition reflects a broader institutional effort to de-politicize national icons while still honoring the country’s roots.
This shift is seen by many as a new chapter in Bangladesh’s nation building story one where culture, environment, and historical legacy take precedence over political personalities.
For a generation that has grown up with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image etched into the fabric of daily life, the redesigned currency may mark the start of a new era quietly redefining what it means to be Bangladeshi.
