Shortage of small change in Dhaka

In Dhaka, small denomination notes have become a "golden deer"-rare and difficult to find. From daily shopping and bus fares to rickshaw rides, the shortage of 10, 20, and 50 taka notes or coins is causing inconvenience to both customers and vendors. Many customers are forced to purchase extra items to adjust payments, while others leave small sums unpaid, turning minor transactions into major hassles.

Visits to local markets show that shopkeepers often cannot withdraw sufficient small change from banks at the start of the day. While higher denomination notes are readily available, smaller notes remain limited. Some shops offer chocolates or biscuits as change or promise adjustments in future purchases. Public transport is particularly affected, with passengers frequently hearing, "No change available" when paying small fares with large notes, leading to disputes and frustration. Rickshaw-pullers face similar difficulties.

An inadequate supply of small notes and coins, hoarding by individuals and businesses and limited access to digital transactions are responsible for causing this shortage. While mobile financial services like bKash, Nagad, and Rocket could ease the burden, many small vendors are not fully adapted to digital payments due to connectivity, charging, and transaction fee issues.

Bangladesh Bank has a crucial role to play. Printing new notes alone is insufficient; proper distribution through commercial banks and mobile banking agents is essential. Dedicated small change counters at banks, public awareness to avoid hoarding, and advance preparation before festivals can also help.

Md. MahinUddin

Student

Dhaka College