New bank notes without Bangabandhu's picture in six month: BB

 
Within the next six months, the interim government will print out new currency notes for the market. The central bank already received the approval of the government, and the required process has to be completed now, stated Husne Ara Shikha, Spokesperson and Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank (BB). Currently, the government has already opted to customize the designs of the Tk 20, 100, 500, and 1,000 notes. The authorities have begun the printing process already.

The central bank officials said, "Religious structures, Bengali culture, and 'July revolution graffiti' would be added to the notes instead of Bangabandhu's photo."

A minting press official said that there are two methods to print new notes after removing current notes. The government didn't announce the scrapping or withdrawal of any notes. So it can be printed as per the old design. As the design has already been approved, we can start printing after the new printing plates are made.

On the other hand, the procedure would be lengthy if the government desired to print notes with new designs, as it required tenders to create the designs, scrutiny, and security considerations. It will cost more money and take a greater length of time. The second option would take 18 to 20 months to print new notes. Only notes with old designs could be printed in six months, he further added.

According to the annual report of Bangladesh Bank, Tk 384 billion was spent to print new notes in the 2022-23 fiscal year. The figure stood at Tk 374 billion the year before. It took Tk 340 billion to print new notes in the 2020-21 fiscal year. However, in 2009, banknotes devoid of Bangabandhu's image were printed in 2009.

>>RR Badhon, AA