Surge in Counterfeit Currency Ahead of Eid

As the celebration of Eid al-Fitr approaches, the trade in counterfeit currency has once again become active in Jhenaidah and neighbouring districts. Criminal networks are exploiting the surge in market transactions during the festive season to circulate fake banknotes, placing small and medium-sized business owners at greatest risk.

Kawsar Ali, a fruit vendor in Jhenaidah’s Payra Chottor area, recently fell victim to such a scheme. He recounted that, shortly before Iftar, two young men arrived on a motorcycle and purchased fruits worth approximately BDT 2,500. After accepting the payment, Kawsar checked the notes and discovered that both BDT 1,000 bills were counterfeit. It later became clear that the two individuals had deliberately used fake currency to buy the fruits before leaving the shop.

Local sources confirm that counterfeiters intensify operations ahead of Eid, taking advantage of the increased cash flow. Modern printing techniques have made these forged notes extremely difficult for the general public to detect.

According to the Jhenaidah District Detective Branch (DB) Police, the circulation of counterfeit currency is no longer confined to face-to-face transactions. Digital platforms have become a growing avenue for such activities. Numerous Facebook and YouTube pages now advertise fake currency, often delivering notes to buyers across the country via courier services.

Investigations indicate that a BDT 100,000 bundle of counterfeit notes is sold for as little as BDT 20,000–25,000. Criminals supply notes in denominations ranging from BDT 100 to BDT 1,000.

Experts warn that some college and university students are also being lured into these fraudulent activities by the prospect of quick money. With increased shopping for clothing, food, and daily necessities during Eid, markets and retail centres become hotspots for passing counterfeit notes. Opportunistic fraudsters particularly target high-denomination bills, exploiting busy and hurried business owners.

Mostafizur Rahman, a clothing retailer on KP Basu Road, Jhenaidah, recounted a similar incident: a customer purchased two saris worth BDT 7,000, paying entirely in new notes. Upon checking, he realised that BDT 4,000 of the payment was counterfeit.

Md. Liakat Hossain, Assistant Professor of Forensic Science at Jessore University of Science and Technology, noted that the use of fake currency spikes during national festivals. He emphasised that criminals mainly target small and medium enterprises as they are less likely to verify every note carefully amidst the festive rush.

Bank officials advise vigilance, highlighting security features such as watermarks, security threads, and colour-changing ink in genuine notes. During Eid, however, extra care is required when handling large cash transactions.

Law enforcement authorities have stepped up monitoring. Cybercrime teams are actively identifying online advertisers of counterfeit currency, and information about several fraud rings has already been obtained. Authorities plan to launch operations shortly to bring these criminals to justice.