The Bangladeshi 5-taka note (৳5) is a denomination of the Bangladeshi currency, first introduced on 2 June 1972.https://www.bb.org.bd/currency/fivetaka.php It is issued by the Government of Bangladesh and bears the signature of the Finance Secretary instead of the Bangladesh Bank governor.
History The first 5-taka note, part of the "Map Series," was introduced in 1972 and featured a map of Bangladesh alongside a portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the obverse. The reverse depicted guilloche patterns with the denomination in Bengali ("৫"). This series remained in circulation until it was withdrawn on 1 April 1973.
Subsequent issues included a new design featuring the National Martyrs’ Memorial (Jatiyo Sriti Soudho) on the obverse and the Kusumba Mosque on the reverse. Security features such as a watermark of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and a security thread were added to later versions.
Design and Security Features
Obverse:
A graffiti themed on state oppression, injustice, and the suffering of civilians, particularly students, women, and children. It blends allegorical, religious, and revolutionary imagery to highlight a deep sense of societal pain and the resilience of those resisting tyranny. Persons like Abu Syed and Mugdho, along with their final moments, are depicted in the graffiti. Additionally, the artwork also features a girl who was attacked during the unrest, and a man being taken into custody by the police
Bengali phrases on the graffiti, such as "আমার বাসায় ছোট বোন আছে!!" (), "পানি লাগবে পানি?" (), and "৩৬ জুলাই" (36 July), emphasizing oppression and sacrifice.
Reverse:
An image of the historic Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) located in Dhaka, a renowned example of Islamic architecture in Bangladesh.
Lotus flowers in the background as an element of natural beauty and national identity.
The words "পাঁচ টাকা" (Five Taka) and "ঢাকা, বাংলাদেশ" (Dhaka, Bangladesh) are printed in Bengali.
The serial number and issue signature from the Secretary of Finance are also visible.
Security Features:
Watermark: Not clearly visible in the image, but typically includes a watermark with a prominent national symbol or figure.
Security Thread: Likely embedded within the note to ensure authenticity.
See-through Register: Elements on the obverse and reverse align precisely when held against light.
Color Shifting Ink: The denomination numeral “৫” may use variable ink for added protection (standard in many notes).
Current Status As of 2025, the 5-taka note remains legal tender in Bangladesh, although both 5-taka notes and coins are in circulation. The note continues to be printed by The Security Printing Corporation (Bangladesh) Ltd.
See also Bangladeshi 5 Taka Coin Bangladeshi taka Bangladesh Bank
References