Removing Bangabandhu: Bangladesh kicks in currency overhaul in attempt to rewrite history

In a dramatic reshaping of Bangladesh’s national identity, the country has begun removing the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of the nation, from its currency notes. Bangladesh Bank confirmed that it will print the new notes – Taka 20, 100, 500, and 1,000 – without the iconic image of the “Bangabandhu” (Friend of Bengal).

Instead, the redesigned notes will feature elements from the July uprising, including religious structures, Bengali traditions, and graffiti that symbolised the protest. The currency redesign reflects a broader political shift, with the new government eager to rewrite the nation's narrative.

“We aim to release the new notes within the next six months,” said Husneara Shikha, Bangladesh Bank’s executive director.


The redesign, which will occur in phases, marks the beginning of a sweeping overhaul of the country’s currency. Initially, four denominations will be updated, followed by the others in subsequent phases.

This move comes just months after the ousting of his daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following a student-led uprising in July. The protests, sparked by grievances over job quotas, forced Hasina to flee to India on August 5, leading to the rise of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Breaking history: Reevaluating a legacy

The erasure of Mujibur Rahman’s image from the national currency represents a significant break from the past. His legacy, long celebrated as the cornerstone of Bangladesh's independence, has come under attack in the wake of the protests.

Statues and murals bearing his likeness were defaced, and his legacy questioned, particularly as Hasina fled the country.

In the political maelstrom that followed, Hasina accused Yunus' interim government of neglecting minority communities, particularly Hindus. Her comments have sparked significant controversy, with Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal condemning them as “hate speech.”

Yunus dogged by turmoil

Meanwhile, the political instability has strained relations with neighbouring India, with tensions rising over the protection of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority.

Attacks on Hindus and their religious sites have increased, especially since Hasina’s departure. The arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in October only fuelled concerns, as he was detained on charges of disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag during a protest rally.

As Bangladesh embarks on this turbulent new chapter, the removal of Mujibur Rahman’s image from its currency marks a pivotal moment in its complex political evolution.