Bangladesh 40 Taka commemorative banknote 2011
To mark the 40th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence (1971-2011), Bangladesh Bank issued a special 40 Taka commemorative banknote in 2011. This note honors the country’s Liberation War and the sacrifices made for freedom. The design reflects key historical elements, including the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the spirit of the freedom fighters, and the Shaheed Minar, which stands as a tribute to the martyrs.
This 40 Taka commemorative note is not for general circulation and is intended as a collector’s item, highlighting Bangladesh’s journey from independence to national progress.
Overview of the Front and Back Note
The obverse (front) side of the banknote features a powerful image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, delivering his historic March 7, 1971 speech, which inspired the people of Bangladesh to fight for independence. Alongside, the National Martyrs’ Memorial (Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho) is depicted, symbolizing the sacrifices made during the Liberation War.
The reverse (back) side of the note illustrates a group of freedom fighters raising their weapons in victory, capturing the triumph and courage of the war heroes. This image commemorates the victorious moment of Bangladesh’s liberation from Pakistan in 1971. Above the illustration, the text “1971-2011” marks the 40th anniversary of independence.
Design Features
Obverse (Front)
- Portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – Depicts the Father of the Nation delivering his historic speech on March 7, 1971, which is widely regarded as the call for independence.
- National Martyrs’ Memorial (Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho) – Honors the freedom fighters and martyrs of the Liberation War.
- Text in Bangla – Includes “বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক” (Bangladesh Bank) and “বিজয়ের ৪০ বছর” (40 Years of Victory).
- Denomination “40” – Displayed in both Bangla and English.
- Commemorative Note Seal – Marking it as a special edition issue.
- Decorative Border Patterns – Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the design.
Reverse (Back)
- Freedom Fighters with Raised Rifles – Capturing the victorious moment of Bangladesh’s independence.
- Text in Bangla – Reads “বাংলাদেশের বিজয়ের চল্লিশ বছর” (40 Years of Victory in Bangladesh) and the years “1971-2011”.
- Denomination “40” – Displayed in the top left and bottom right corners.
- Bangladesh Bank Seal – Certifying the authenticity of the banknote.
- Traditional Geometric Border Designs – Symbolizing Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage.
Color Scheme
- The front side features warm tones, with a mix of red, beige, and green, representing national pride and the revolutionary spirit.
- The back side incorporates deep red, brown, and golden hues, emphasizing the victorious and historic nature of the moment.
These colors create a visually striking and patriotic tribute to Bangladesh’s independence.
Dimensions
- Width: 130 mm
- Length: 60 mm
The non-standard denomination (40 Taka) and unique size make this note distinct from regular Bangladeshi currency, reinforcing its commemorative value.
Security Features
The 2011 “40th Anniversary of Independence” 40 Taka commemorative banknote is equipped with modern security elements to ensure authenticity:
- Watermark – A hidden image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman appears when held against the light.
- Security Thread – A thin embedded metallic strip runs vertically through the note.
- Microprinting – Fine text details that can only be seen under magnification.
- Raised Printing – The portrait and key inscriptions have a textured feel, making it easier to verify by touch.
- UV Features – Some elements glow under ultraviolet (UV) light, adding another layer of security.
- Color-Shifting Ink – The denomination “40” changes color when tilted, preventing counterfeiting.
These security measures enhance the durability and authenticity of the note.
Circulation and Collectibility
- This 40 Taka note is a non-circulating commemorative issue, meaning it is not used for everyday transactions.
- It was issued by Bangladesh Bank in 2011 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence.
- Due to its historical significance and limited print run, it is highly sought after by collectors and historians.
- Many copies remain in pristine, uncirculated condition, making them valuable investments for numismatists.
- Its unique denomination, detailed design, and patriotic significance make it one of the most memorable Bangladeshi commemorative notes.