Google Wallet officially launched in Bangladesh on Tuesday, marking a bold new chapter in the country's digital payment landscape.
City Bank customers can now add their Mastercard or Visa cards to Google Wallet and pay with Google Pay quickly, securely which is completely contactless.
With this launch, customers can now make fast and seamless transactions simply by tapping their Android phones at any NFC-enabled POS terminal-whether at home or abroad.
Google Pay is backed by advanced encryption technology, ensuring high levels of data security. For small purchases, PIN-free functionality further enhances the checkout experience.
"This partnership reflects our commitment to building a future-ready digital payments ecosystem in Bangladesh," said Mashrur Arefin, managing director and CEO of City Bank PLC.
"We are proud to bring this innovative solution to our customers and enable a smarter, more convenient way to pay."
Google Pay utilizes advanced encryption technology to ensure the security of users' data. There is no need to carry a separate plastic card, as Google Pay can be used for everything—from air travel to daily purchases.
The launch event was graced by Dr Ahsan H Mansur, governor of Bangladesh Bank, who attended as the chief guest. In his speech, he said: "We welcome Google Pay to Bangladesh. I hope that Bangladesh will become a trusted destination for both local and foreign investors."
Regarding inflation and the banking system, he said: "The government has a target of bringing inflation down to 6.5%. However, we want to bring it down to 5%. If we can do this, we will be successful."
"We want to completely fix the financial sector. In the meantime, the risk-based audit process of 20 banks has been completed, and seven more banks will be closed by the end of July."
Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d'affaires, ad interim, at the US Embassy in Dhaka, and Hossain Khaled, vice-chairman of City Bank, joined the ceremony as special guests.
Shammi Quddus, group product manager, Google Payments; Syed Mohammad Kamal, country manager, Mastercard Bangladesh; and Sabbir Ahmed, country manager, Visa Bangladesh and along with other senior officials from City Bank, Google, Mastercard, and Visa, were also present at the event.
With the launch of Google Pay, City Bank remains at the forefront of digital innovation, providing modern, secure, and globally accepted financial solutions to its customers in Bangladesh.