In 2025, the Central Bank of Bangladesh launched a new series of banknotes ranging from 2 to 1000 taka. This initiative is part of a strategy to modernize the national currency, enhance security features, and reflect the country’s cultural heritage. Produced by the Security Printing Corporation, the new banknotes combine advanced security technologies with elements highlighting Bangladesh’s history, culture, and natural wealth. This article explores the design features, security elements, and the economic and societal significance of the new banknotes.

Overview of the New Banknotes

1000 Taka Banknote

The 1000 taka note (approximately US$12) features violet, purple, tan, and green colors. The front depicts the National Martyrs’ Monument in Savar, a symbol of the independence struggle, along with shapla flowers and the denomination in optically variable ink (OVI). The back shows the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament building) in Dhaka and the bank logo. Measuring 160 x 70 mm, the note includes a windowed security thread and a watermark of a Royal Bengal tiger, the bank logo, and the denomination 1000. Issued on June 1, 2025, it bears the signature of Mansur and prefix কক.

500 Taka Banknote

The 500 taka note (approximately US$6.10) is designed in green and red hues. The front features the Shaheed Minar, a monument to the Language Movement in Dhaka, along with shapla flowers and the denomination in OVI. The back displays the Supreme Court building in Dhaka and the bank logo. Sized at 152 x 65 mm, it includes a watermark with a Royal Bengal tiger, bank logo, and denomination 500. The release is scheduled for late 2025, signed by Mansur.

200 Taka Banknote

The 200 taka note (approximately US$2.50) uses brown, gold, orange, and green tones. The front showcases the Aparajeyo Bangla (Unvanquished Bengal) monument at Dhaka University, depicting a woman, a farmer, and a man with a rifle. The back features religious leaders of Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism standing before a mosque, temple, church, and pagoda, alongside an outline map of Bangladesh. Measuring 146 x 63 mm, it includes a watermark with a tiger, bank logo, and denomination 200. The release is planned for late 2025, signed by Mansur.

100 Taka Banknote

The 100 taka note (approximately US$1.25) is in blue and pink colors. The front features the Shaat Gambuj Masjid (Sixty Dome Mosque) in Bagerhat, while the back shows a group of spotted deer and a Bengal tiger in the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest. Sized at 140 x 62 mm, it has a watermark with a tiger, bank logo, and denomination 100. The release is planned for late 2025, signed by Mansur.

50 Taka Banknote

The 50 taka note (approximately US$0.60) features pink, red, brown, and green colors. The front depicts the Ahsan Manzil palace in Dhaka, while the back shows Zainul Abedin’s painting, “The Struggle.” Measuring 130 x 60 mm, it includes a windowed security thread with demetalized Bengali text and ৳50, and a watermark with a tiger, bank logo, and denomination 50. Issued on June 1, 2025, it is signed by Mansur with prefix কক.

20 Taka Banknote

The 20 taka note (approximately US$0.25) is in blue, green, and brown colors. The front features the Kantajew Temple in Dinajpur, while the back depicts the Somapura Mahavihara Buddhist monastery in Naoga. Sized at 128 x 60 mm, it includes a windowed security thread with demetalized Bengali text and ৳20, and a watermark with a tiger, bank logo, and denomination 20. Issued on June 1, 2025, it is signed by Mansur with prefix কক.

10 Taka Banknote

The 10 taka note (approximately US$0.10) uses pink, purple, red, and green tones. The front features the Baitul Mukarram national mosque in Dhaka, while the back shows an outline map of Bangladesh encircled by people holding hands, a silhouette of a youth with the flag, and graffiti from the July uprising. Sized at 123 x 60 mm, it includes a watermark with a tiger, bank logo, and denomination 10. The release is planned for late 2025, signed by Mansur.

5 and 2 Taka Banknotes

The 5 and 2 taka notes (approximately US$0.05 and US$0.02, respectively) are in green and brown colors. Both feature the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Dhaka on the back, along with the national emblem featuring shapla flowers, rice, and jute. The front includes shapla flowers, though other design details are unspecified. Both measure 100 x 60 mm, with a solid security thread and a watermark of a tiger, denomination 2 or 5, and government monogram. The release is planned for late 2025, signed by Mozumder.

Design Elements and Their Significance

The design of the new banknotes reflects Bangladesh’s multifaceted history and culture. Key landmarks like the National Martyrs’ Monument, Shaheed Minar, and Shaat Gambuj Masjid highlight the struggle for independence, the Language Movement, and architectural heritage. Images of nature, such as the Bengal tiger and Sundarbans mangroves, emphasize the country’s unique ecosystem. Religious harmony is depicted on the 200 taka note, showing leaders of different faiths. Zainul Abedin’s “The Struggle” and the July uprising graffiti on the 10 taka note reflect social and political activism.

The national shapla flower appears on all banknotes, symbolizing unity and natural beauty. The watermark of the Royal Bengal tiger serves as both a security feature and a symbol of national strength and pride.

Security Technologies

The new banknotes incorporate advanced security features. Windowed security threads with demetalized text (on the 20 and 50 taka notes) and optically variable ink (OVI) on denominations from 100 to 1000 taka make counterfeiting difficult. Watermarks featuring a tiger, bank logo, and denomination are present on all notes, while the lower denominations (2 and 5 taka) use a solid security thread. The notes’ sizes range from 100 x 60 mm for the smallest denominations to 160 x 70 mm for the 1000 taka, aiding identification.

Economic and Cultural Significance

The issuance of new banknotes carries both practical and symbolic importance. Economically, the updated currency enhances protection against counterfeiting and fosters trust in the national currency. Culturally, the banknotes promote Bangladesh’s historical and natural landmarks, reinforcing national identity and pride. The inclusion of contemporary elements, such as the July uprising graffiti, reflects current societal sentiments and engages younger generations in discussions about the country’s future.

Conclusion

The 2025 series of Bangladesh banknotes combines modern security technologies with a deep reflection of cultural and historical heritage. From the National Martyrs’ Monument to the Sundarbans mangroves, each note tells a story of struggle, unity, and natural beauty. The release, which began on June 1, 2025, for the 20, 50, and 1000 taka denominations, will continue through the end of the year for the remaining denominations. These banknotes will not only facilitate daily transactions but also serve as a symbol of progress and national pride for Bangladesh.

Vitalii Cherniuk (IBNS 13299-R)

CEO World Banknote Store