Months after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the country has begun phasing out the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, her father and the iconic leader of Bangladesh’s liberation movement, from its currency notes. This move, spearheaded by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, marks a significant shift in the nation’s political and cultural narrative, reports PTI.
New Currency Designs Reflect July Uprising
Bangladesh Bank has started printing new notes in denominations of Taka 20, 100, 500, and 1,000, featuring symbols of the July uprising that led to Hasina’s removal. These include images of religious structures, depictions of Bengali traditions, and graffiti from the protests.
“The new notes will not include the image of ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” the central bank confirmed, according to the Dhaka Tribune.
The July uprising, driven by student protests, initially opposed a controversial job quota but escalated into a broader political movement. The unrest culminated in Hasina fleeing to India on August 5, and Yunus assuming leadership as Chief Adviser.
Phased Rollout of Redesigned Currency
Husneara Shikha, an executive director at Bangladesh Bank, stated that the redesigned notes are expected to enter circulation within six months. Over time, the redesign will extend to all denominations.
In September, the Finance Ministry’s Finance Institute Division submitted detailed design proposals for the notes, signalling the start of a gradual but comprehensive transformation.
Targeting the Legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, widely regarded as the “Father of the Nation,” played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971. However, his legacy faced intense scrutiny during the July uprising. Statues and murals bearing his image were attacked during the protests, reflecting growing resentment against the Hasina-led government.
Observers note that the removal of Mujibur Rahman’s image from currency aligns with efforts to distance the interim government from the Hasina regime’s political narrative.
Political Fallout and Controversies
Sheikh Hasina, now living in India, has accused Yunus and his administration of failing to protect minority groups, including Hindus. These remarks have sparked backlash, with Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal labelling them as “hate speech.”
The Yunus administration has accused pro-Hasina elements of orchestrating a smear campaign, signalling the deep divisions that remain in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Symbolism of the Currency Change
The removal of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image from currency notes is widely seen as a symbolic move by the interim government to redefine Bangladesh’s identity and align with the ideals of the July uprising.
While the move underscores a shift away from the Mujibur Rahman-Hasina legacy, it has also drawn criticism from sections of the population who view it as an erasure of a critical chapter in the country’s history.
As Bangladesh grapples with its evolving political identity, the redesign of its currency notes serves as a stark reminder of the profound changes underway in the nation’s leadership and societal fabric.