Although Bangladesh Bank released redesigned 20, 50, and 1000 taka notes ahead of Eid, customers are facing difficulty depositing these notes into cash deposit machines (CDMs), cash recycling machines (CRMs), and metro rail ticket booths.
The machines’ software has not yet been updated to recognize the new security features of the redesigned currency.
Sources said that while these self-service machines allow users to deposit high-denomination notes like 500 and 1000 taka, the process depends on the system’s ability to read and verify updated note designs. As the software in most machines remains outdated, they are currently rejecting the new notes.
Bangladesh Bank released the updated currency into the market on June 1. However, due to the Eid holidays from June 4 to June 14, banks had limited opportunity to update their systems. As of now, less than Tk 600 crore worth of redesigned notes have been circulated—prompting many banks to delay the software upgrade.
“Some banks may not have yet included the new notes in their software systems,” said a central bank official.
“However, it’s not a complex task. Banks can easily update the machines through their service vendors. A few have already done so, but the majority are still pending.”
Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan stated, “Banks that haven’t updated their systems for the new note’s security features will do so soon. As for metro rail ticket machines, that matter falls under the metro rail authority.”
The newly introduced designs come as part of a broader initiative by the interim government to redesign all denominations. Unlike earlier versions, the new notes showcase a variety of elements. The 5, 10, and 200 taka notes include artwork inspired by student graffiti from the July uprising. All denominations also feature historic and archaeological architecture from Bangladesh.
Designing and releasing a new note typically requires 15 to 18 months, as paper, ink, and security threads are sourced internationally. However, under special circumstances, Bangladesh Bank fast-tracked the release of three denominations ahead of Eid.
Officials added that the paper for the rest of the redesigned notes has not yet arrived in the country.
Additionally, the central bank had decided not to release any more notes from the previous series. As a result, a cash shortage was reported in the market prior to Eid.
