Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Bangladesh Replaces Mujibur Rahman on Currency After Political Shift
Imagine money is like a country's picture book.
For a long time, Bangladesh put a picture of a very important former leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on its money.
But after a big change in the country's leadership, a new government decided to use different pictures.
Instead of the old leader's face, the new money will show pictures of important buildings and religious places in Bangladesh.
Many countries put famous people on their money to remember them.
But other countries, like Bangladesh now, choose to show famous buildings or symbols that tell a story about their country's history and culture.
This change in Bangladesh shows how a country's money can reflect its changing story.
Bangladesh's interim government has decided to remove the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from its banknotes.
The change follows the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
New banknotes will feature motifs of religious structures and historical buildings instead of Rahman's portrait.
Many countries around the world use portraits of leaders, historical figures, or cultural icons on their currency.
Examples of countries featuring famous figures on banknotes include the UK, US, China, India, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and Japan.
- Who
- Bangladesh's interim government
- What
- Removed the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from banknotes and replaced it with religious, historical, and cultural motifs.
- When
- Announced in June 2025, following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
- Where
- Bangladesh
- Why
- As a consequence of political changes after Sheikh Hasina's ousting, signifying a shift in national narrative and representation on currency.
Traditional Currency Design
Modernized Currency Design
Imagery Focus
Traditional Currency Design
Features national leaders and historical figures to honor their legacy and national identity.
Modernized Currency Design
Features religious structures, historical buildings, and cultural motifs to represent broader national heritage.
- Previous Currency Icon
- Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
- New Currency Imagery
- Religious structures, historical buildings, and cultural motifs
- Reason for Change
- Ousting of Sheikh Hasina in 2024 and subsequent interim government decision.
- Date of Announcement
- June 2025
- Countries Featuring Figures on Currency
- UK, US, China, India, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Japan