Guide to Detecting Counterfeit Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) Notes

How to Identify Counterfeit BDT (৳)Currency Notes

Traveling from India to Bangladesh? While exploring a new country is exciting, it’s also important to stay a little alert, especially when it comes to handling cash. Counterfeit notes can sometimes slip into circulation, and if you’re unfamiliar with the currency, they’re easy to miss. This guide walks you through the key security features on Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) notes, so you’ll know exactly what to check, no matter the denomination.

Key Security Features of Bangladeshi Taka Notes

Watermark:

The portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is used as the main watermark. The denominational value in numerals (e.g., "50", "100") often appears as a bright electrotype watermark, usually below or beside the main portrait watermark. The monogram/logo of the Bangladesh Bank may also be present as a watermark.

Security Thread:

The thread can be fully embedded (hidden until held to light) or windowed (appearing in segments on the surface but as a continuous line when held to light). Many threads, especially on higher denominations, have microprinting of "Bangladesh Bank" and the denomination. Some threads on higher value notes may exhibit color-shifting properties.

Intaglio Printing (Raised Print):

Certain elements on the note are printed using the intaglio process, which leaves a raised texture that can be felt. This typically includes the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the name of the bank in Bengal, the denomination numerals, and specific lines or patterns designed for the visually impaired.

See-Through Feature/ Registration Device:

A design element (often a floral motif or the denomination numeral) is printed incompletely on the front and back of the note. When held up to the light, the parts from both sides should align perfectly to form a complete image.

Microprint:

Extremely small text, often "Bangladesh Bank" or the denomination, is printed in various locations. This text will appear as a solid line to the naked eye, but can be read with a magnifying glass.

Latent Image:

On some denominations, a latent image of the denomination numeral is hidden within a design element (often a vertical band next to the portrait). This image becomes visible when the note is held horizontally at eye level and tilted.

Optically Variable Ink (OVI):

On high-value notes, the printed denomination changes color (e.g., gold to green) when viewed from different angles.

A Detailed Guide to Identifying Counterfeit BDT Currency by Denomination

The current series of South African banknotes features a portrait of Nelson Mandela on the front and various "Big Five" animals on the back. The most recent upgrades in 2023 further enhanced security features, as mentioned below.

Denomination	Dominant Color	Front Design Elements	Back Design Elements	OVI Ink	Latent Image
5 Taka	Light Brown / Grey-Blue	Bangabandhu's portrait, Kusumba Mosque	Kusumba Mosque (alternate view)	No	Not present
10 Taka	Pink / Rose	Bangabandhu, Baitul Mukarram Mosque	Rice harvesting or river scene	No	Yes – "10"
20 Taka	Green / Light Green	Bangabandhu, Choto Sona Mosque	Workers washing jute	No	Yes – "20"
50 Taka	Violet / Purple / Lilac	Bangabandhu, Parliament House	Traditional riverboat	Yes – "50"	Yes – "50"
100 Taka	Reddish Violet / Brown	Bangabandhu, National Martyrs' Memorial	Factories, bridges	Yes – "100"	Yes – "100"
200 Taka	Olive / Lime Green	Bangabandhu + faded Martyrs' Memorial	Boats on riverbank	Yes – "200"	Yes – "200"
500 Taka	Deep Green	Bangabandhu, Martyrs' Memorial	Agriculture: farmers & fishermen	Yes – "500"	Yes – "500"

1. 5 Taka

This note is usually printed in Light Brown or Grey-Blue hues.
The front displays a portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the right and an image of the Kusumba Mosque in the center or towards the left.
On the back side of the 5 Taka note, the design features a wider view or alternate angle of the Kusumba Mosque (Kusum Mosque).
Located in the blank space on the left side of the note, the watermark comprises a portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Positioned below this portrait, a bright electrotype watermark of the numeral 5 in Bengali is visible, and the Bangladesh Bank logo may also appear here.
A security thread is embedded vertically within the note, usually to the left of the center. When held to light, this thread becomes visible and contains microprinted text.
You can feel raised texture on the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the large denomination numerals on the front corners, and the Bengali text for the value.
A see-through feature is present on this note. For instance, you might see one part of a flower on the front, and the remaining part on the back, which merge into a whole flower when light passes through.
Extremely small microtext in Bengali or the denomination might be found integrated into the design lines, for instance, around the frame of the portrait.

2. 10 Taka

This note is generally found in shades of Pink or Rose.
The front prominently displays a portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the right side. The Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka is usually depicted in the center or towards the left.
The back of the note typically depicts a scene of rice harvesting, symbolizing Bangladesh's agriculture, or sometimes a riverine landscape.
Located in the clear space on the left side, the watermark consists of a portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
A bright electrotype watermark of the numeral 10 in Bengali is located below this portrait, and the Bangladesh Bank logo is also often visible in this area.
This note incorporates a security thread that runs vertically, typically to the left of the center. When held to light, it shows as a continuous dark line with microprinted text and numerals in Bengali.
A distinct raised texture can be felt on Bangabandhu's portrait on the right, the Bengali text at the top, the large denomination numerals "10" on the corners, the value in Bengali text, etc.
A see-through registration device, i.e. a floral design or part of the numeral, is located usually near the watermark area or the center of the note. Elements printed on the front and back combine perfectly when the note is held against light.
Microprinted text "BANGLADESH BANK" and/or "10 TAKA" is often found in fine lines within the design, for example, around the portrait or the mosque illustration.
A latent image of the numeral 10 is often located within a patterned rectangular or ornamental block, typically to the right of the main portrait. This numeral becomes visible when the note is tilted at eye level

3. 20 Taka

This note is typically printed in Green or Light Green color.
The front prominently features a portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the right. The Choto Sona Mosque (Small Golden Mosque) of Chapai Nawabganj is depicted, usually in the center or left.
The back commonly depicts a scene of workers washing jute.
Watermark: Located in the clear area on the left, the watermark displays a portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
A bright electrotype numeral 20 is visible below the main image, and the Bangladesh Bank monogram (logo) is also present.
A security thread is embedded vertically, typically to the left of the center. It contains microprinted text as well.
A distinct raised texture is present on the portrait of Bangabandhu (right side), the Bengali text at the top, the large denomination numerals, the main architectural image (Mosque), etc.
A see-through element, which is either a floral pattern or part of the numeral, is located towards the left or center. Parts printed on the front and back align perfectly when held to light.
Microprinted text "BANGLADESH BANK" and/or "20 TAKA" is found in various design lines, such as borders or around significant illustrations.
A latent image of the numeral 20 is typically located in an ornamental panel to the right of Bangabandhu's portrait, visible when the note is tilted at eye level.

4. 50 Taka

This note is usually printed in Violet, Purple, or Lilac shades.
The front side of the note features the National Parliament House (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban), designed by architect Louis Kahn. The portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is placed on the right side of the note.
The back side features a traditional riverboat, symbolizing Bangladesh's rich riverine culture and heritage.
A clear watermark of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is visible when held to light. Below the portrait is a bright electrotype watermark showing the numeral 50 in Bengali. The Bangladesh Bank monogram may also be present.
A windowed metallic thread runs vertically, generally to the left of center. When the note is tilted or held against light, it appears as a continuous dark line and contains microprinted text such as “Bangladesh Bank” or the denomination.
The numeral “50” on the front side is printed with OVI. When tilted, it shifts color, often from gold to green, helping to verify authenticity.
You can feel a raised texture on the portrait, the large numeral “50”, the bank’s name, and other textual elements.
A floral or geometric shape is partially printed on both sides. When held up to the light, the front and back halves align perfectly to form a complete image.
A hidden image of the numeral “50” is printed within an ornate block, visible only when you hold the note horizontally at eye level and tilt it.
Microprinted text "BANGLADESH BANK" and/or "50 TAKA" is found in various design lines, such as borders or around significant illustrations.

5. 100 Taka

This note is printed in shades of reddish violet or brown.
The front side features the Jatiyo Sriti Soudho (National Martyrs' Memorial), a prominent symbol honoring those who died in the 1971 Liberation War. The portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is placed on the right side.
The back side depicts industrial development scenes, such as factories, bridges, etc.
A watermark of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is visible when held to light. Below the portrait is a bright electrotype “100” in Bengali numerals. You may also see the Bangladesh Bank logo alongside.
A partially embedded, windowed security thread runs vertically (usually left of center). When the note is tilted or held to light, this appears as a dark continuous line with microprinted text like “Bangladesh Bank” or “100”.
The front-side numeral “100” is printed in Optically Variable Ink (OVI), shifting in color from gold to green when tilted.
You can feel raised printing (intaglio) on Bangabandhu’s portrait, the large numeral “100”, the bank’s name, and key text lines.
A floral or geometric motif printed partially on both sides of the note aligns perfectly when held to light.
A latent image of the numeral “100” is hidden within a decorative box or pattern and is only visible when the note is tilted horizontally at eye level.
Tiny, readable inscriptions like “BANGLADESH BANK” and “100 TAKA” are embedded within borders or architectural elements. These can only be read with a magnifying glass and appear as fine lines to the naked eye.

6. 200 Taka

This note is usually printed in shades of greenish yellow, olive, or lime green.
The front side of the notefeatures the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the right.Behind the portrait, a light-colored depiction of the National Martyrs' Memorial (Jatiyo Sriti Soudho) serves as a subtle background element.
The back side shows a rural scene with boats on a riverbank, representing Bangladesh's agrarian lifestyle.
A watermark of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman becomes visible when the note is held to light. Below the portrait, an electrotype watermark of the Bengali numeral “200” is present, along with the possible appearance of the Bangladesh Bank logo.
A windowed security thread runs vertically and includes color-shifting properties. The thread contains microprinted text such as “Bangladesh Bank” or “200”, and appears as a dark line when viewed against the light.
The front-side numeral “200” is often printed using Optically Variable Ink (OVI), which changes color typically from gold to green when tilted at an angle.
Raised printing is used on the portrait of Bangabandhu, the large numeral “200”, text like the bank's name, and ornamental patterns.
A see-through register appears in a floral or geometric form, half printed on each side of the note. These halves align precisely when held against the light to form a full image.
The latent image of the numeral “200” is embedded in the front design. It becomes visible only when the note is held horizontally at eye level and tilted.
Microtext such as “BANGLADESH BANK” or “200 TAKA” is subtly embedded along borders, within decorative elements, or beside architectural lines. These can only be seen clearly with magnification.

7. 500 Taka

The note is printed in deep green tones.
On the front side, a portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is present on the right side. The National Martyrs' Monument (Jatiyo Sriti Soudho) is printed in a lighter colour in the middle of the note.
The back side has a detailed illustration representing the agriculture of Bangladesh. It shows farmers plowing a field as well as a group of fishermen working with bamboo nets on a river.
A watermark of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman appears when the note is held to light. Below the portrait is a bright electrotype watermark showing the Bengali numeral “500”, and often the Bangladesh Bank logo.
A windowed thread runs vertically to the left of center. This color-shifting security thread displays a dynamic shimmer as the note is tilted, and includes microtext such as “500” or “Bangladesh Bank”.
The large front-facing numeral “500” is printed in Optically Variable Ink (OVI), changing from gold to green as the note is moved under light.
Intaglio printing gives a raised texture to Bangabandhu’s portrait, the denomination, the bank name, etc.
A see-through feature, in the shape of a floral emblem or geometric pattern, is present across both sides of the note. It forms a perfect image when viewed against the light.
The latent image of the numeral “500” is placed in an ornate block, visible only when viewed horizontally at eye level and tilted slightly.
Microprinted elements such as "BANGLADESH BANK" and "500 TAKA" are hidden within the design.