Bangladesh’s new 20-Taka note reflects shift from Mujib legacy, highlights religious heritage

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, is pushing ahead with administrative reforms and a symbolic departure from the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father and Awami League co-founder. In a significant move, the central bank has issued a redesigned 20-taka currency note that replaces Mujib’s portrait with images of historical religious landmarks.

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Unveiled on June 1, the new note features the Kantajew Temple, an 18th-century Hindu temple located in Dinajpur, on its obverse. The temple, known for its terracotta architecture, survived a bomb attack in 2015 and remains a key symbol of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage. However, its grounds became the site of controversy in 2024 when a mosque construction project sparked protests from the Hindu community.

The reverse side of the note showcases the Somapura Mahavihara in Paharpur, a historic Buddhist monastery in Naogaon district. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, it is one of Bangladesh’s most important archaeological treasures.

The note also retains a watermark of the national flower, the water lily, blending tradition with a new direction in national symbolism. The redesigned currency reflects broader efforts by the interim administration to reshape national identity through cultural and political shifts.