Bangladesh Bank has decided to preserve the memory of the July-August uprising by incorporating images from different phases of the movement onto newly designed currency notes.
The decision to modify the design and features of the banknotes was approved at the 438th board meeting of the central bank held on Sunday (8 December).
BB Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur presided over the meeting.
In a pivotal decision, the board approved a proposal for the Border Bank to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) by June 2026.
This marks yet another extension for the bank to fulfil the obligation of offering shares to general investors within five years of its establishment.
Since its commercial inception on 1 September 2016, the bank has not yet entered the stock market, with this extension providing additional leeway.
In another major move, the board rejected a proposal to exempt 13 newly established banks from allocating 10% of their profits for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditures.
This implies that these banks must continue to spend on CSR activities as mandated. However, the board recommended revising the existing CSR policy to streamline its implementation.
The board also discussed the interest rate on Euro deposits held by Payra Port in Sonali Bank, ultimately deciding against increasing the rate.
Additionally, it approved a proposal for the contractual appointment of the chief economist at Bangladesh Bank and authorised the Bangladesh Security Printing Corporation to conduct direct recruitment activities.
During the session, Board Secretary Furqan Hossain presented an overview of the prevailing economic conditions in the country.
He also provided a detailed explanation of the interim government’s commitment to reforming the banking sector, which includes restructuring the boards of directors in 11 banks.
This meeting underscores the Bangladesh Bank’s efforts to address economic and institutional reforms while commemorating the nation’s historical milestones.
