Dhaka, March 29 -- Bangladesh Bank has announced the release of new currency notes from 80 bank branches, both public and private, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

However, reports have emerged of seasonal traders already selling new notes on footpaths at elevated prices though the official distribution is slated to begin on Mar 31.

Naimul Islam, a private company employee, was purchasing two bundles of new Tk 10 notes (100 notes each) from a footpath near Bangladesh Bank and the Sena Kalyan Bhaban in Motijheel, paying an extra Tk 300 for the transaction.

The new notes will be available at the bank after a few days. When asked why he was buying them from the footpath, Naimul explained to bdnews24.com, "I want to go home early this time....