To boost digital transactions nationwide, Bangladesh Bank has reset the interchange reimbursement fee (IRF) to zero for all Bangla QR code-based transactions, effective October 1.
Consequently, card or account issuers will no longer receive any fee or service charge from acquiring institutions for Bangla QR transactions.
The Payment Systems Department-2 of Bangladesh Bank issued a circular letter on Monday instructing all scheduled banks, Mobile Financial Service (MFS) providers, Payment Service Providers (PSPs), and Payment System Operators (PSOs) to implement the directive.
According to the central bank, this adjustment amends previous instructions issued in Payment Systems Department Circular No. 02/2025 on February 6, 2025.
Additionally, directives under Circular Letter No. 05 issued on July 1 this year will be repealed starting October 1, while all other existing guidelines remain unchanged.
Bangladesh Bank previously made Bangla QR usage mandatory for merchants starting July 1.
As Bangla QR enables merchants to accept payments from multiple banks and MFS providers through a single unified QR code, it has become a central component of Bangladesh's cashless transaction strategy.
Financial industry experts expect that eliminating inter-institutional transaction costs will significantly lower merchant expenses and accelerate consumer adoption of QR-based digital payments across the country.
