A public awareness workshop on preventing the circulation of counterfeit currency was held Saturday morning at the Upazila Technical Training Center in Paikgachha.
Presided over by local Sonali Bank Branch Manager Dipayan Sarkar, the event brought together bank officials, business leaders, and the public to discuss safe financial transactions. Md. Munjur Rahman attended as the chief guest, joined by special guests Md. Golam Kuddus and Md. Mizanur Rahman, as well as managers from several local bank branches.
Speakers warned that fraud rings frequently exploit the rush of major shopping seasons, particularly ahead of Eid, to circulate fake notes. This puts shopkeepers, small traders, and general buyers at significant financial risk.
To help the public protect themselves, officials demonstrated how to easily identify genuine currency by checking four key features: the security thread, watermark, color-changing ink, and raised print. They strongly advised merchants to use note verification machines when accepting large cash payments.
Business leaders and bank officials urged local authorities to install counterfeit detection machines in all major markets and cattle haats (markets) during the festive season. They also advised anyone who receives a suspicious note to hand it over to the nearest bank or police station immediately.
Attendees concluded the workshop by calling for broader awareness campaigns across local schools, colleges, and social organizations to effectively curb the activities of counterfeit gangs.
