Bangladesh Removes Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Image from Currency Notes Amid Political Shift

Bangladesh’s interim government has initiated the removal of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image from its currency notes. The central bank has begun printing new designs for Taka 20, 100, 500, and 1,000 denominations, which will no longer feature the portrait of the nation’s founding father.

These redesigned notes are set to showcase symbols associated with the July uprising, including graffiti from the protests, religious landmarks, and elements of Bengali tradition. The July 2024 student-led movement led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Rahman’s daughter, and the establishment of an interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. 

The decision to alter the currency’s imagery is part of a broader effort by the interim administration to redefine national identity and move away from the previous government’s legacy. This includes revising history textbooks to present multiple perspectives on the 1971 independence movement and removing Rahman’s portraits from official institutions.

While the new notes are expected to enter circulation within six months, existing currency bearing Rahman’s image will remain legal tender.  The move has sparked debate across the nation, with supporters viewing it as a necessary step toward a more inclusive historical narrative, while critics argue it undermines the legacy of a pivotal figure in Bangladesh’s independence.

As Bangladesh navigates this transitional period, the currency redesign symbolizes the interim government’s intent to reshape the country’s historical and cultural symbols in alignment with its vision for the future.