New note trade shifts to footpaths as banks halt release, buyers pay extra

Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, collecting new banknotes—traditionally used for giving salami to children and exchanging Eid greetings—remains a popular custom, but this year, as banks have halted formal distribution, the notes are instead being sold on the capital’s footpaths, costing extra.

The Bangladesh Bank has decided not to distribute new notes to regular customers this year.

According to sources, although banks have received supplies of new notes, these are mainly reserved for internal use leaving customers without the opportunity to obtain fresh notes from branches as in previous years.

Footpath vendors sell bundles of fresh notes

A temporary market for new banknotes has emerged along the sidewalks in Motijheel, near the headquarters of Bangladesh Bank.

Around a dozen vendors have set up stalls offering bundles of 20, 50, and 100‑taka notes.

Vendors noted that demand for higher denominations, such as 500‑taka and 1,000‑taka note bundles, remains low, with customers primarily seeking smaller denominations.

One vendor reportedly held a stock of Tk4–5 lakh in new notes.

Vendors said that once stock is sold, they will bring additional new notes from nearby locations to continue sales.

A footpath vendor, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained, “Every Eid, people look for new notes. This year, since banks are not supplying them, demand for our stock is higher. We also acquire them at higher costs, so we sell with a modest profit.”

Buyers pay higher prices for new notes

Tahira Akter, who came from TT Para in the capital to buy new notes for her daughter, purchased a 20‑taka bundle at an extra cost of Tk380 after bargaining.

She said, “New notes are needed to give salami to children for Eid. Banks are not providing them, so we had no choice but to buy from here. The price is high, but there is no alternative.”

A bundle of 10‑taka notes (worth Tk1,000) is sold for approximately Tk1,350, requiring buyers to pay an extra Tk350.

Similarly, a bundle of 20‑taka notes sells at an additional Tk400, a 50‑taka bundle at around Tk500 extra, and a 100‑taka bundle for about Tk600 more.