The New Nation - Internet Edition

BUSINESS REPORT

Bangladesh Bank releases some 37 crore banknotes worth Tk 5,705 crore of various denominations ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Munsur Ahmed, currency manager of the central bank, told reporters in his office that the banknotes were being released from the bank's local offices too.

Ahmed also acknowledged the allegation that a big chunk of the new banknotes go to the currency traders.

"It is difficult to find out the so-called currency traders from crowds of people. But we are trying our best to stop it (from happening)," he said.

The central bank would release four crore banknotes of Tk 2 denomination, two and a half crore of Tk 5 denomination, 12.5 crore of Tk 10 denomination, three crore of Tk 20 denomination, five crore of Tk 100 denomination and 10 crore bills of Tk 500 denomination.

This correspondent found people waiting in long queues for new banknotes in front of Bangladesh Bank at Motijheel in the city. But the currency traders were selling banknotes in public at higher rates near the bank.

Abdul Quader, who was selling new notes, told The New Nation that he collected the money from the bank booth.

"I stood in a queue, collected the money and am now selling at slightly higher prices," Quader said.

He charges an additional Tk 10 for a bundle of Tk 10 denomination.