Bangladesh has initiated the removal of country’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from its currency notes. The move comes months after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Rahman’s daughter, who fled the country following a student-led uprising in July.
Bangladesh Bank confirmed that it is printing new banknotes of Taka 20, 100, 500, and 1,000 denominations without Rahman’s image. Instead, the notes will feature symbols of the July uprising, Bengali traditions, religious structures, and graffiti associated with the protests that led to the fall of Hasina’s government.
The finance ministry confirmed plans to redesign all currency notes, with four denominations being updated first and others to follow in phases.
“The new notes will not include the image of ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” Bangladesh Bank executive director Husneara Shikha said, adding that they are expected to enter circulation within six months.
The removal of Rahman’s image, who is widely revered as the “Father of the Nation,” is part of a broader effort to reshape the country’s identity under the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Rahman’s legacy has faced increasing criticism, with his statues and murals targeted during the protests.
Hasina has accused the Yunus administration of failing to protect minority communities, including Hindus. Her remarks have been condemned by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal as “hate speech.”
The political instability in Bangladesh has exacerbated tensions with India, particularly over the safety of the Hindu minority. Attacks on Hindus and their places of worship have surged since Hasina’s resignation.
The arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in October further heightened concerns. Das, known for advocating minority rights, was detained at Dhaka airport on charges of disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag during a rally.