Gangs involved in producing counterfeit currency have become increasingly active ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, employing new tactics to exploit the festive shopping season. In addition to fake Tk 100, Tk 500, and Tk 1,000 notes, counterfeiters are now circulating forged Tk 20 and Tk 50 notes as well.
The surge in fake currency has affected ordinary buyers and sellers, creating growing concern and unease in markets across the country.
According to intelligence sources, these gangs have targeted Eid shopping nationwide by circulating large amounts of counterfeit notes. Some dishonest bank officials are allegedly involved in these activities. Although several individuals linked to such operations have been arrested at different times, many have secured bail and resumed their criminal activities.
As there is no separate tribunal dedicated to such cases, legal proceedings are often delayed.
A senior official of Bangladesh Bank said counterfeit traders typically become active ahead of Eid. The central bank is working to identify those involved in producing fake currency and has taken necessary steps to prevent counterfeit notes from entering the market.
He added that ATM booths will see heavy use ahead of Eid, and the central bank will remain vigilant to prevent the circulation of fake notes through these channels. He also encouraged people to use cards instead of cash for transactions whenever possible.
Meanwhile, in Chattogram on February 27, 2026, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested an alleged professional counterfeit currency dealer, Md Sohel Chowdhury (40), along with counterfeit foreign currencies during a raid in the Bayezid Bostami Police Station area.
Chattogram RAB Assistant Director A.R.M. Mozaffar Hossain said the accused was arrested during a raid in the Oxygen Pathanpara area under Bayezid Police Station.
According to RAB, acting on secret information, officers learned that several counterfeit currency dealers were staying in a flat in Jahanara Building of the Ahmadia Housing Society in Oxygen Pathanpara with the intention of storing and selling fake currencies of different countries. Based on this information, a raid was conducted and Sohel Chowdhury, a resident of Fatikchhari Upazila, was arrested.
During the operation, 74,500 fake Indian rupees, 100 fake UAE dirhams, and 1,700 fake US dollars were seized. RAB claimed that he had long been involved in collecting and selling counterfeit currencies.
The arrested individual and the seized counterfeit currencies were handed over to the concerned police station for further legal action.
Sources claim that at least 35 syndicates are currently active in manufacturing and distributing counterfeit notes in the country. These groups reportedly sell Tk 1 lakh worth of fake notes for Tk 20,000, and Tk 50,000 worth for Tk 10,000. The counterfeit notes are then circulated nationwide.
As a result, ordinary people and small traders frequently fall victim. When fake notes are detected at financial institutions, customers often face difficulties in getting them replaced.
Law enforcement agencies say they are continuing operations against these gangs. Several members have been arrested along with counterfeit currency and equipment used in production. Interrogations have reportedly revealed the names of at least a dozen more suspects, who are now under surveillance.
Officials say the gangs use high-quality laptops, printers, heat machines, screens, counterfeit security threads, specialized inks, glue, and cutting tools to produce fake currency. Skilled graphic designers are reportedly hired for large sums to replicate watermarks and other security features.
The gangs remain active throughout the year but intensify operations ahead of major festivals such as Eid and Puja. In addition to local currency, they also counterfeit foreign currencies including dollars and rupees. Although cases are filed under the Special Powers Act of 1974, many accused individuals obtain bail and resume their activities.
A Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police official said counterfeiters typically become active before major festivals. While arrests are made regularly, many suspects return to the same activities after securing bail.
According to sources, the production and distribution process occurs in stages - manufacturing, delivery to buyers, and market circulation. At the field level, gang members spread fake notes by purchasing everyday goods and engaging in illicit transactions, including drug dealing, smuggling, and illegal gold trade.
Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious while handling cash during the festive season and to verify currency notes carefully to avoid financial losses.
