Bangladesh Bank Introduces New Tk500 Note with Modern Design and Enhanced Security

Bangladesh Bank has announced the introduction of a newly designed Tk500 banknote, which will officially enter circulation on Thursday, 4 December. The note will first be issued from the central bank’s Motijheel office before gradually being distributed to branches across the country. The updated design reflects both the nation’s cultural heritage and the central bank’s commitment to strengthening currency security.

The front of the new Tk500 note prominently features the Central Shaheed Minar, a powerful national symbol of the Language Movement. On the reverse side, the note showcases an image of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, emphasising the country’s judicial legacy. Measuring 152 × 65 millimetres, the note maintains a familiar size while introducing a more modern visual identity.

A notable artistic addition to the design is a stylised water lily motif, positioned centrally as the note’s primary ornamental feature. The water lily, the national flower of Bangladesh, reinforces the banknote’s connection to the country’s cultural roots.

To combat the growing sophistication of counterfeit production, the central bank has enhanced the note with 10 advanced security features. These include a Royal Bengal Tiger watermark, an electrotype “500”, and several state-of-the-art anti-counterfeiting elements that are detectable under both natural and ultraviolet light. Although the note retains a predominantly green colour scheme, subtle gradients and updated patterns lend it a contemporary and visually appealing appearance.

Bangladesh Bank emphasised that the release of this new note is part of its ongoing effort to reinforce the reliability and safety of physical currency. Importantly, the central bank has assured the public that all existing banknotes and coins—including previous versions of the Tk500 note—will remain legal tender and continue to circulate alongside the updated version.

The introduction of the redesigned Tk500 note aims to facilitate more secure financial transactions, minimise risks associated with counterfeit currency, and support the smooth functioning of banking operations nationwide. With the integration of modern technology and cultural symbolism, the new note represents a significant step forward in Bangladesh’s currency modernisation initiatives.

New Tk500 Banknote: Key Details and Features

JD