The Bangladesh Bank has announced plans to release fresh banknotes featuring new designs by April-May this year, with the printing process currently underway.
In a press release issued on Thursday (20 February), the central bank stated that it is making every effort to introduce the redesigned currency into circulation within the targeted timeframe.
However, to accommodate the surge in demand for fresh notes ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, banknotes printed earlier with the existing design will continue to be issued until the new ones are available.
According to the statement, previously printed fresh banknotes, along with those stored in the vaults of 80 branches of various scheduled banks, will be accessible to the public between 19 and 25 March.
As part of its routine operations, the Bangladesh Bank collects and destroys old banknotes while introducing new ones into circulation.
The central bank also ensures an increased supply of fresh notes during major religious festivals by distributing them through scheduled banks, the press release added.