Counterfeit Notes Seized in Capital

A young man was detained in Dhaka’s Science Lab area after allegedly attempting to pay a rickshaw fare with counterfeit currency, prompting intervention from local residents and police.

The incident took place at around 10:00pm on Saturday night in the busy Science Lab intersection area of the capital. Witnesses said suspicions were raised when the man, identified as Opu Khandakar, handed over several banknotes to a rickshaw puller as payment. Residents nearby reportedly noticed irregularities in the appearance of the notes and quickly intervened.

According to eyewitness Hasib, he was returning home through the Science Lab area when he observed a dispute between the passenger and the rickshaw driver. From a short distance, the notes appeared unusual, prompting him to move closer and inspect them. The rickshaw puller was already claiming that the money was fake.

Hasib said local residents, along with two students from Dhaka College, assisted in examining the notes. After checking the texture, print quality and security features, they concluded that the currency was counterfeit.

When questioned by those present, the suspect initially claimed that he had received the money from a mobile financial services shop. However, locals reportedly became more suspicious because of inconsistencies in his statements and behaviour. He was subsequently held at the scene while police were informed.

Officers from New Market Police Station arrived at approximately 10:30pm and carried out a search of the suspect’s wallet. Police recovered four counterfeit Tk500 notes and ten counterfeit Tk200 notes, with a combined face value of Tk4,000.

Local residents, including Dhaka College students Noornabi and Mihir, helped restrain and question the suspect before he was formally handed over to Sub-Inspector Dipayan Haldar of New Market Police Station.

Officer-in-Charge AKM Mahfuzul Haque later confirmed the matter to reporters, stating that the suspect had been detained after attempting to use counterfeit currency to pay the rickshaw fare. He said members of the public became suspicious, verified the notes and alerted police, leading to the arrest.

Police have not yet disclosed whether the suspect is connected to a wider counterfeit currency network. Investigators are expected to examine the origin of the fake notes and determine whether additional individuals were involved.

Counterfeit currency remains a recurring concern for law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh, particularly in densely populated commercial areas where cash transactions remain common. Police frequently advise traders, transport workers and the general public to examine security features carefully before accepting high-value notes.