Moving away from a long-standing tradition, Bangladesh Bank (BB) has decided not to release special sets of new currency notes for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.

The central bank announced on Sunday that instead of focusing on specific festivals, new notes will now be supplied through commercial banks throughout the year based on regular demand.

Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, confirmed the policy shift on Sunday.

“I have no information regarding the special issuance of new notes specifically for Eid. Bangladesh Bank is moving away from the conventional practice of distributing new notes before the festival. Instead, new notes will be supplied through banks year-round,” Khan said.

He further clarified that there are currently no plans to release new notes for any specific festival or date.

The move marks a significant departure from the usual rush at central bank counters and designated commercial bank branches, where citizens typically gather weeks before Eid to collect crisp notes for Salami or gift-giving.

Earlier this year, the spokesperson had hinted that newly designed banknotes omitting the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman might be released by late April or early May.

A similar situation occurred last year when the central bank announced the distribution of new notes during Ramadan, only to postpone it later. At the time, speculation arose that the distribution was halted due to objections regarding notes bearing the signature of then-Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder and the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

While the central bank has not provided an official explanation for why the specific timeline for the new designs was not met, the shift toward a year-round supply model is now the official stance of the regulatory body.