Islamic radical group of Bangladesh, ‘Hefazat-e-Islam’ is angry over the new bank notes issued by the central bank. Hefazat leaders demanded to withdraw the notes immediately.
Recently, the central bank of Bangladesh, ‘Bangladesh Bank’ issued new series of notes of different denomination. But, Islamists raised objections on the new BDT 20 notes. The photo of Kantajiu Temple is printed in one side and the photo of Paharpur Buddhist Monastery is printed on the other side. Both the temple and the Buddhist Monastery are very popular in Bangladesh and both are also UNESCO heritage sites.
But, Islamic radical group Hefazat-e-Islam raised objections. On the 4th of June, Hefazat issued a statement and demanded to withdraw the notes.
‘The photos of temples and Buddhist Monastery in bank notes is a direct attack on the religious beliefs of the majority people of this country. Amir of Hefazat, Allama Muhibullah Babunagari said, “This note neglects the sentiments of the 92 percent people of the country. It should be withdrawn.”
Meanwhile, another controversy over the new bank notes is going on regarding the removal of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s photo. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is considered as the ‘Father of the Bangladesh’. After the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led government, radical Islamists groups are dictating and influencing every decision of Muhammad Yunus-led government. Experts say, the decision of changing bank notes and removal of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s photo is also influenced by the Islamists elements.
