Afghanistan’s central bank, Da Afghanistan Bank, announced that it collected and destroyed more than 2.5 billion Afghanis (approximately $38.5 million) worth of worn-out banknotes over the past year.

Da Afghanistan Bank spokesperson Hasibullah Nuri told RTA that withdrawn banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Afghanis were collected from across the country and systematically destroyed.

Nuri said more than 2.5 billion Afghanis worth of worn-out banknotes had been removed from circulation and destroyed as part of efforts to maintain the quality of the national currency.

At the same time, the central bank has injected newly printed banknotes into circulation to replace damaged currency, ensuring that citizens can continue their daily transactions without disruption or delays.

Citizens are also able to exchange worn-out banknotes for new ones through Da Afghanistan Bank branches and commercial banks, according to officials.

The move comes as some citizens and money changers have reported difficulties caused by damaged banknotes remaining in circulation, with some people refusing to accept heavily worn currency during daily transactions.

Afghanistan’s banking authorities reiterated their commitment to gradually withdrawing worn-out banknotes from circulation. Officials said the process is part of broader efforts to modernize the country’s monetary system, protect the integrity of the Afghan currency and reduce problems in everyday financial transactions.

The central bank has also urged citizens to take better care of banknotes, warning that premature damage to currency increases the costs associated with replacing and printing new notes.(ILKHA)