Bangladesh 60 Taka commemorative banknote
In 2012, Bangladesh Bank issued a 60 Taka commemorative banknote to mark the 60th anniversary (1952–2012) of the Language Movement, a historic event that led to the recognition of Bangla as a state language of Pakistan and later played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. The Language Movement of 1952 is one of the most significant chapters in Bangladesh’s history, as it shaped the nation’s identity and sovereignty.
This commemorative note is not intended for regular circulation but serves as a symbolic tribute to the sacrifices made for the right to speak in Bangla.
Overview of the Front and Back Note
The obverse (front) side of the banknote features portraits of the five Language Martyrs—Salam, Rafiq, Barkat, Jabbar, and Shafiur—who lost their lives in the protests on February 21, 1952. In the center, the Shaheed Minar (Martyrs’ Monument) is prominently displayed, symbolizing the struggle and victory of the Language Movement. Above the portraits, the text “60 Years of Language Movement 1952-2012” is printed, reinforcing the commemorative theme.
The reverse (back) side of the note showcases a detailed illustration of the Shaheed Minar, the national monument erected in honor of the martyrs. This structure is the central location for International Mother Language Day commemorations, observed globally on February 21. The note also features a quote from the famous Ekushey (21st February) poem, emphasizing the emotional connection to the movement.
Design Features
Obverse (Front)
- Portraits of the Five Language Martyrs – Depicting Salam, Rafiq, Barkat, Jabbar, and Shafiur, the heroes of the 1952 protests.
- Shaheed Minar – The central symbol of the Language Movement, honoring the martyrs.
- Bengali Text – “ভাষা আন্দোলনের ৬০ বছর” (60 Years of the Language Movement).
- Blossoming Red Palash Flowers – Symbolizing sacrifice and the bloodshed of 1952.
- Denomination “60” – Displayed in both Bangla and English.
- Security Seal of Bangladesh Bank – Positioned on the lower right side.
Reverse (Back)
- Shaheed Minar Illustration – A detailed rendering of the national monument in Dhaka.
- Quote from the Ekushey Poem – “আমার ভাইয়ের রক্তে রাঙানো একুশে ফেব্রুয়ারি, আমি কি ভুলিতে পারি?” (“Can I forget the 21st of February, stained with my brother’s blood?”).
- Denomination “60” – Placed on the top right and bottom left corners.
- Bangladesh Bank Seal – Certifying authenticity.
- Golden Decorative Border – Enhancing the aesthetic and commemorative feel.
Color Scheme
- The front side has a mix of pink, peach, and brown tones, reflecting a historic and solemn atmosphere.
- The back side features a blend of red, gold, and beige, symbolizing the sacrifice and pride of the Language Movement.
The red flowers and Shaheed Minar contrast with the softer background, emphasizing the martyrs’ sacrifice.
Dimensions
- Width: 130 mm
- Length: 60 mm
The non-standard denomination (60 Taka) and unique dimensions set this note apart from regular Bangladeshi currency, highlighting its special edition status.
Security Features
The 2012 “60 Years of Language Movement” 60 Taka commemorative banknote includes several modern security elements to ensure authenticity:
- Watermark – A hidden image of the Shaheed Minar becomes visible when held against the light.
- Security Thread – A thin embedded strip runs vertically across the note.
- Microprinting – Fine text details that can only be read under magnification.
- Raised Printing – The portraits and denomination numbers have a textured feel for added security.
- UV Features – Certain elements glow under ultraviolet (UV) light, revealing hidden security marks.
- Color-Shifting Ink – The denomination “60” shifts in shade when tilted, making counterfeiting difficult.
These security measures ensure that the commemorative note remains protected against forgery while maintaining its collectible value.
Circulation and Collectibility
- This 60 Taka note is a non-circulating commemorative issue, meaning it is not meant for regular transactions.
- It was issued by Bangladesh Bank in 2012 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Language Movement.
- Due to its historical and patriotic significance, it is highly collectible among numismatists and history enthusiasts.
- Many copies have been kept in pristine condition, increasing their long-term value.
- Its limited availability makes it a highly sought-after collector’s item.