Bangladesh Issues Newly Designed Five Taka Currency Notes

The Government of Bangladesh has officially released a newly designed series of 5-taka currency notes, incorporating imagery that highlights the historical and archaeological architecture of the nation. The Ministry of Finance announced that the new banknotes have been placed into circulation effective from Tuesday, 19 May. The currency features the signature of the Finance Secretary, Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, the banknotes are being distributed initially through the Motijheel office of Bangladesh Bank in Dhaka. Following this primary phase, the new notes will subsequently be made available through the remaining regional offices of the central bank across the country.

Physical Dimensions and Frontal Design

The structural specifications of the newly issued 5-taka note dictate a width of 117 millimetres and a height of 60 millimetres. The design elements on the face of the banknote combine both architectural heritage and national symbols.

• Left Side: The obverse side prominently features an illustration of the historic Star Mosque (Tara Masjid), located in Dhaka, on the left-hand portion.

• Centre: The central section of the note incorporates a fully blossomed design of the Water Lily (Shapla), which is the national flower of Bangladesh.

Reverse Design and Security Architecture

The reverse side of the banknote introduces contemporary imagery, featuring an illustration based on ‘Graffiti-2024’. To prevent counterfeiting and ensure authenticity, the central bank has integrated several distinct security features into the printing process of the new series:

• Watermark: The note contains a composite watermark featuring the face of a Royal Bengal Tiger. Positioned directly beneath this image is a bright electrotype numeral ‘5’, alongside the official monogram of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

• Security Thread: A security thread measuring 2 millimetres in width has been embedded into the left side of the note. This thread becomes clearly visible when held against a direct light source.

• Microprinting: The lower portion of the front face features microprinted text, consisting of the repeated word ‘BANGLADESH’ in highly detailed, miniature lettering.

Circulation and Collectable Specimen Editions

The Ministry of Finance has clarified that the introduction of this new design will not disrupt the existing monetary system. All 5-taka paper banknotes and metallic coins currently in circulation will retain their status as legal tender alongside the new series.

Furthermore, for the benefit of numismatists and currency collectors, the authorities have printed a dedicated run of ‘Specimen’ 5-taka notes. These specimen notes are strictly non-negotiable and carry no monetary exchange value in standard commercial transactions. Members of the public and collectors can purchase these specific items at a designated price directly from the Bangladesh Bank Currency Museum, located in Mirpur, Dhaka.