Sheikh Hasina's father Mujibur Rahman dropped from new Bangladesh banknotes

In a major policy shift, the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, long revered as the founding father of Bangladesh, has been removed from the country’s currency notes.

Reports say Bangladesh's central bank has introduced a new series of banknotes with updated designs. Unlike previous notes, the redesigned 20, 50, and 1,000 Taka denominations no longer carry Sheikh Mujib’s image.

Instead, the notes showcase the country’s natural landscapes and historical landmarks.

The redesigned notes come in the wake of major political upheaval following the end of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s 16-year rule. Her government collapsed last year after mass student-led protests forced her into exile in India.

The interim administration, now headed by Nobel Laureate and economist Muhammad Yunus, has undertaken a series of sweeping reforms aimed at redefining Bangladesh’s national identity.

Among these measures are the abolition of the public holiday marking Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birthday, the removal of his images from government institutions, and revisions to the school curriculum that no longer describe him as the sole founder of the country.

In another symbolic shift, the slogan “Joy Bangla”,  once officially recognised as the national slogan and closely associated with Sheikh Mujib’s leadership, has been struck down by the appellate division and is no longer in official use.

The redesigned banknotes are widely interpreted as part of the interim government’s efforts to move the country beyond the political legacy of the Awami League and toward what officials describe as a more inclusive and forward-looking national identity.

These developments mark one of the most significant breaks with the past since the country’s independence in 1971.