Digital banking can be bridge for financial inclusion: DCCI president
However, several challenges to full-scale financial inclusion remain, the DCCI president said
Digital banking will not only contribute to economic growth but also serve as a powerful tool to ensure equity, stability, and prosperity, said Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed.
"Digital banking can be the bridge to financial inclusion for all," he said while addressing a focus group discussion titled "Digital banking for all: A bridge to financial inclusion" held today (25 September) at the DCCI auditorium in Motijheel.
The event was attended by ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury as the chief guest, and Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Dr Md Ezazul Islam alongside Robi Axiata PLC's Head of Commercial Partnerships as special guests.
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Highlighting the progress in the sector, Taskeen Ahmed noted that since the introduction of mobile financial services in 2011, around 54% of people in Bangladesh are now using such services. He added that agent banking along with modern payment systems like BEFTN, NPSB, and BD-RTGS have made financial transactions faster, safer, and easier.
He also pointed out that women-led accounts increased from 33 million in 2011 to 55 million in 2024, while school banking accounts reached 4.4 million, contributing to greater financial awareness among the youth.
However, several challenges to full-scale financial inclusion remain, the DCCI president said. Only 30% of the population use financial cards, while low financial literacy, weak technological adaptability, high costs, limited services, cybersecurity threats, and lack of consumer protection hinder equal access. The most excluded groups are rural women, the ultra-poor, and coastal communities.
To overcome these barriers, he urged focus on three critical areas: strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing financial and digital literacy, and ensuring robust consumer protection and cybersecurity.
"Financial inclusion is not just about access; it is about usage, trust, and opportunities," he emphasised. "If we can effectively address these challenges, digital banking will open the door to a prosperous future for every citizen of Bangladesh."
