Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday said transactions through Bangla QR codes will be completely free of charge as the government moves to build a cashless Bangladesh and a digital economy.
"There will be no fee or charge for transactions through Bangla QR. Any transaction made through the QR code will be completely free, with no additional cost," he said.
The minister made the remarks while inaugurating shopping through Bangla QR codes and inspecting QR-based transactions at Banani Kitchen Market in the capital.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government would bring people from all sections of society, including Fuchka vendors, rickshaw pullers and small traders, under QR code-based digital financial services.
Under the initiative, ordinary people, roadside vendors and small businesses will be able to receive payments easily through QR codes linked to accounts with any bank or service provider, he said.
"This will eliminate the need to carry cash and make transactions easier and faster," the finance minister said.
He acknowledged that some minor technical challenges or temporary problems might arise at the initial stage, but expressed confidence that those could be resolved quickly.
Cashless transactions have already proved to be convenient and secure in many developed and rapidly growing economies around the world, he said.
"Bangladesh Bank is working to make this international practice universal in Bangladesh," he added.
The finance minister also urged citizens, businesses and service providers to participate in the government initiative to build a cashless and secure economy without hesitation.
