Banks asked to introduce QR-based verification for visa-related documents

Bangladesh Bank has instructed all scheduled banks to add QR codes to bank statements and solvency certificates submitted for visa applications, aiming to ensure transparency and prevent document forgery.

Under the new directive, the authenticity of bank statements and certificates submitted by Bangladeshi visa applicants will be instantly verifiable through a QR code system.

The central bank's Banking Regulation and Policy Department issued a circular in this regard today (12 May).

According to the circular, embassies and visa centres of different countries often require applicants to submit bank statements, solvency certificates and investment certificates. However, the absence of an instant verification system for such documents has been causing difficulties for embassies, leading to delays in visa processing and increased administrative costs.

Bangladesh Bank said introducing a digital verification system is essential to reduce processing time and improve the accuracy of submitted information.

As per the directive, all customer-requested bank statements and certificates for visa purposes must include an online-verifiable Quick Response (QR) code.

By scanning the QR code, authorities will be able to verify information including the customer's account number, account name, opening balance, closing balance and the statement issuance date.

Banks have also been instructed to preserve and maintain the verification data online for at least six months.

The directive has come into immediate effect, although banks have been given 90 days from the date of the circular to fully implement the system.