Bangladesh Bank has issued a cautionary notice regarding the circulation of misleading videos, images, and the use of ‘sample notes’ resembling genuine currency on social media. According to the central bank, such practices can facilitate the spread of counterfeit notes, thereby posing a significant risk to the integrity of the nation’s currency system.
The advisory, released on Monday, 16 February, was signed by Saida Khanam, Assistant Spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank’s Communications and Publications Department. It highlighted that in recent weeks, digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have featured videos and images where papers resembling real currency notes, often oversized or modified, are used for marketing campaigns or content creation.
Bangladesh Bank emphasised that the production or use of materials that imitate official currency in public or commercial settings is a punishable offence under Bangladeshi law. Section 489(গ) of the Bangladesh Penal Code, 1860, stipulates that any individual or organisation creating, using, or distributing documents or papers resembling official banknotes in a manner likely to cause confusion can be held criminally liable. Moreover, spreading misleading information via digital platforms may constitute an offence under Section 25 of the Digital Security Act, 2023.
To protect the public, Bangladesh Bank offered practical guidance: citizens should learn to distinguish genuine notes, ensure safe transactions, and familiarise themselves with the security features of legal tender through the official Bangladesh Bank website.
Comparison of Genuine and Sample Notes
| Feature | Genuine Note | Sample Note / Imitation Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Government-specified | Often larger or smaller than actual note |
| Design | Officially approved by Bangladesh Bank | Mimics real note design |
| Watermarks & Security Features | Present | Absent or replicated |
| Legal Status | Valid currency | Use may constitute a punishable offence |
| Usage | Legal transactions | Content creation, marketing, or display only |
Bangladesh Bank has urged the public to refrain from creating, sharing, or participating in campaigns that involve misleading sample notes. Citizens are reminded to remain vigilant against counterfeit currency, safeguard themselves in financial dealings, and support efforts to prevent the spread of false or confusing currency-related content.