Central Bank Warns on High-Value Notes

The Bangladesh Bank has issued a public advisory urging heightened vigilance in the use of high-denomination currency notes ahead of the forthcoming Eid al-Adha. The warning focuses particularly on Tk 500 and Tk 1,000 notes, which are widely used during the seasonal surge in livestock trading associated with sacrificial markets.

Each year, the approach of Eid al-Adha brings a significant increase in cash-based transactions, especially in cattle markets across the country. Buyers and sellers frequently exchange large sums in physical currency, creating an environment where counterfeit notes can circulate more easily. In response, the central bank has called on the public to remain alert and to verify banknotes carefully before completing any transaction.

According to the advisory, individuals should examine several key security features embedded in Bangladeshi banknotes. These include watermarks, security threads, colour-shifting ink, and raised printing textures. Careful inspection of these elements can help distinguish genuine notes from counterfeit ones, particularly during high-pressure transactions in crowded marketplaces.

To support the public, temporary banking booths are typically established at major livestock markets during the Eid period. These booths provide on-the-spot verification services, enabling traders and customers to confirm the authenticity of suspicious notes. In addition, individuals are encouraged to seek assistance from nearby commercial bank branches if any doubt arises regarding a banknote.

The central bank has also advised against engaging in transactions through unfamiliar or unverified sources. Instead, it recommends conducting financial dealings through recognised banks or authorised institutions, thereby reducing the risk of fraud. Public awareness, it emphasises, remains a crucial line of defence against counterfeit currency.

For those seeking a clearer understanding of genuine banknote features, the central bank has directed citizens to consult its official resources, where detailed guidelines and visual references are available.

Below is a summary of commonly cited security features in Bangladeshi banknotes:

With millions expected to participate in Eid-related commerce, financial authorities stress that a cautious and informed approach to handling cash can significantly reduce the risk of counterfeit-related losses.