BB halts exchange of new notes ahead of Eid

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) postponed the exchange of new currency notes for the public ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr to promote its newly designed notes, which are expected to be released in the coming months.

The central bank instructed all scheduled banks to comply with this decision in a directive issued on Sunday. Branches holding new notes must refrain from exchanging them and keep them in reserve instead, according to the directive.

Banks have also been advised to complete all cash transactions using only re-circulated notes.

BB spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan told the FE that people could get fresh notes with new designs ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

"If we release fresh notes with previous designs now, it could delay the introduction of the new notes, which are expected to reflect the spirit of the July Uprising along with other significant historical events, places, and personalities of the country," he said.

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