BB to release new banknotes with July Uprising, cultural motifs

Bangladesh Bank is preparing to release newly designed banknotes in response to mounting public pressure and currency circulation issues ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, breaking months of silence over their delayed issuance.

Sources within the central bank confirmed that the new notes—featuring both graffiti art commemorating the historic July Uprising and motifs of Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage—have already been printed and are stored in vaults. 

However, their release had been postponed due to political sensitivities, particularly surrounding the use of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's image.

Although initially slated for circulation before Eid-ul-Fitr, the central bank held off, fearing possible backlash in the wake of the country's political transition. The delay has contributed to an acute shortage of fresh notes in the open market, especially in densely populated business hubs like Gulistan and Motijheel, where damaged currency has flooded informal exchange systems.

Many citizens, forced to deal with worn-out or torn currency, have had to rely on unofficial note exchangers—often at a financial loss—due to limited availability from banks.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan told that the bank now aims to meet this urgent demand by circulating the redesigned currency in time for Eid-ul-Azha. “It normally takes up to 18 months to roll out newly printed notes, but given the situation, we’re accelerating the process,” he said.

He also clarified that while nine denominations of redesigned notes have been printed, only selected ones will be released initially. The rest will be phased in over time based on market needs and logistical capacity.

Currently, Bangladesh's annual requirement for new banknotes stands at approximately 1.5 billion pieces, but the country’s security printing infrastructure can only handle 1.2 billion notes per year—highlighting the challenge of meeting seasonal surges in demand like during Eid.

As the central bank works to replenish the supply of clean notes, financial institutions are expected to receive new consignments within the coming weeks, offering some relief to citizens weary of damaged currency.