Bangladesh Bank has stepped up its efforts to expand the ‘Bangla QR’ program nationwide to increase transparency in the country’s financial transactions, reduce the use of cash, and bring the benefits of digital payment systems to marginalized customers.
The first meeting of the steering committee formed with Bangladesh Bank governor Md Mostakur Rahman as the convener was held for this purpose.
Representatives of various government ministries, senior officials of commercial banks, representatives of mobile financial service (MFS) providers and members of the steering committee participated in the meeting held at Bangladesh Bank on Monday (June 22).
The meeting discussed various strategies to further strengthen the country’s digital payment infrastructure and increase the use of Bangla QR.
Especially, importance was laid on accepting fees, charges and other payments of various ministries and departments through Bangla QR while receiving government services.
Governor Mostakur Rahman said in the meeting that Bangla QR can play an important role in increasing the country's financial inclusion and reducing cash dependence.
He sought the cooperation of all concerned ministries, banks and financial institutions to popularize Bangla QR through a coordinated initiative of the government and private sectors.
At that time, the representatives present assured all-out cooperation in the implementation and expansion of Bangla QR.
They believe that if a uniform QR-based payment system is introduced, customers will be able to make transactions easily, quickly and securely. At the same time, digital financial services will expand and transparency and accountability in economic activities will further increase.
Bangladesh Bank officials said that if the Bangla QR program is successfully implemented, the country's digital payment ecosystem will be further strengthened.
Through this, small traders, entrepreneurs and general customers from cities to villages will get the benefits of easy digital transactions on the same platform, which will also play a helpful role in achieving the goal of building Smart Bangladesh.
