Bangladesh Bank has intensified awareness activities to promote digital transactions through ‘Bangla QR’ and reduce dependence on cash. Initiatives have also been taken at grassroots level in Bogura to accelerate the transition towards cashless transactions.
Officials said cashless transactions can help reduce the circulation of counterfeit currency and minimise security risks associated with carrying and handling cash. They also said the growing use of ‘Bangla QR’ is helping build customer confidence in secure digital payments.
A customer and merchant awareness programme on ‘Bangla QR’ was organised by Mutual Trust Bank (MTB) at ground floor of Rana Plaza in Bogura city on Wednesday afternoon under the supervision of Bangladesh Bank. An open discussion with customers and businesspeople was held as part of programme.
Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, Bogura Office, Md Sakhawat Hossain attended the programme as chief guest. Speaking at the event, he said government has attached importance to cashless transactions. Under the platform, all banks will work in coordination to make financial transactions easier and hassle-free for customers. He said the government spends a substantial amount of money every year on printing currency notes. Increasing digital financial transactions could significantly reduce the cost of printing and managing physical currency, he added.
Presiding over the programme, Mutual Trust Bank Additional Managing Director and Chief Business Officer Chowdhury Akhter Asif said around 3.9 million merchants across the country currently have the facility to accept payments through ‘Bangla QR’. around 350,000 transactions worth approximately Tk 143.54 crore are being conducted through the platform every day. Over past 90 days, Number of transactions has increased by around 3.5 times, while transaction value has risen fivefold, he added.
Bangladesh Bank Bogura directors Md Selim Ahmed, Sardar Al Imran and Md Akhtarul Islam, MTB Deputy Managing Director AKM Tarek, former acting president Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sairul Islam, among others, were present. MTB Bogura Regional Manager and Branch Manager Kudrat-E-Khoda Samiul Karim coordinated the overall arrangements of the programme.