Hindu temple hit by terrorists to be on Bangladesh 20-taka notes

The government of Bangladesh, under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, is aiming to reform the administration while also distancing it from the legacy of Mujibur Rahman, a founding father of the nation and co-founder of the Awami League. Bangladesh is launching banknotes that substitute Mujib’s portrait with various images, including one of a Hindu temple. The 18th century Kantajew temple, which endured a bomb strike in 2015 and possesses a rich history, will be featured on the new 20-taka notes.

A mosque was also being constructed on the grounds of the ancient Kantajew temple and faced significant opposition from the Hindu community of Bangladesh in 2024.

The 20-taka banknote was released on June 1, and the front showcases “an image of the historical Kantajew temple architecture in Dinajpur on the left,” as per details on Bangla Bank’s website, the nation’s central bank. Similar to all the new banknotes, the 20-taka note also includes a depiction of Bangladesh’s national flower — the water lily with its leaf and bud — in soft tones in the background.

Notably, on the back, the 20-taka note features the Paharpur Buddhist Monastery found in the Naogaon district of the Rajshahi division. In 1985, the monastery was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is among the three such sites located in Bangladesh. The Paharpur Buddhist Vihara is the most famous Buddhist monastery not only in Bangladesh but also in the Indian Subcontinent. Originating in the 8th century, the Paharpur Buddhist Vihara was constructed under the Pal dynasty’s rule, and is a remarkable example of elaborate terracotta art and architecture in Bengal.