Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur has approved the new designs for the 1000, 50, and 20 taka banknotes, set to be released on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

These notes, part of a new series themed “Historical and Archaeological Architecture of Bangladesh,” will initially be available from the Bangladesh Bank’s Motijheel office, with distribution expanding to other offices thereafter, according to a press release from the bank.

The initiative includes redesigning all denominations (Tk 1000, Tk 500, Tk 200, Tk 100, Tk 50, Tk 20, Tk 10, Tk 5, and Tk 2) to showcase Bangladesh’s cultural landmarks.

The Tk 1000, Tk 50, and Tk 20 notes will be the first to launch. Existing paper notes and coins will remain in circulation alongside the new series. Additionally, non-exchangeable sample notes of the Tk 1000, Tk 50, and Tk 20 denominations will be available for collectors at the Taka Museum in Mirpur for a fixed price.

Design and security features

The new banknotes, printed on 100% cotton paper, incorporate advanced security features and iconic imagery reflecting Bangladesh’s heritage. Below are the details for each denomination:

Tk 1000 note:

Size: 160 mm × 70 mm

Colour: Predominantly purple

Watermarks: Royal Bengal Tiger’s face, “1000,” and Bangladesh Bank monogram

Front: Features the National Memorial in Savar on the left, with “Promised Words” and “one thousand taka” in the centre. The national flower Shapla (water lily) with leaves and buds forms the background. The denomination “1000” appears at the top left and right corners, with “?1000” at the bottom right.

Back: Displays the National Parliament Building in Dhaka, with “1000” at the top left, bottom right, and vertically on the right, alongside the Bangladesh Bank monogram.

Security Features: Includes 13 security elements, such as a 5 mm-wide security thread on the left, engraved with “Bangladesh Bank monogram” and “1000 taka.” The thread changes colour from red to green when tilted, with a rainbow bar moving top to bottom in the “Tk 1000” section. The “1000” on the right corner uses colour-changing ink (OVMI), shifting from magenta to green, revealing angled text “1000” when tilted. The Shapla design is visible under UV light.

Tk 50 note:

Size: 130 mm × 60 mm

Colour: Predominantly dark brown

Watermarks: Royal Bengal Tiger’s face, “50,” and Bangladesh Bank monogram

Front: Features Ahsan Manzil in Dhaka, with microprint text “Ahsan Manzil, Dhaka-Bangladesh Bank” on both sides.

Back: Includes “50” in microprint in the background.

Tk 20 note:

Size: 127 mm × 60 mm

Colour: Predominantly green

Watermarks: Royal Bengal Tiger’s face, “20,” and Bangladesh Bank monogram

Front: Displays the Kantajiu Temple in Dinajpur on the left, with “Promised Words” and “twenty taka” in the centre. The Shapla flower with leaves and buds forms the background. The denomination “20” appears at the top left and right corners, with “?20” at the bottom right.

Enhanced security and cultural significance

The new notes incorporate advanced security features to combat counterfeiting, including micro printing, colour-changing threads, and UV-detectable elements. The designs celebrate Bangladesh’s architectural and cultural heritage, with landmarks like the National Memorial, Ahsan Manzil, and Kantajiu Temple serving as focal points. The initiative reflects Bangladesh Bank’s commitment to blending tradition with modern security technology, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and trust in the currency.