Bangladesh Bank pushes Bangla QR adoption in Habiganj

Bangladesh Bank has urged businesses to adopt Bangla QR, saying it can reduce reliance on cash and expand secure, interoperable digital payments nationwide.

The central bank made the call at a stakeholder engagement session at Habiganj Town Hall Auditorium on 29 July, according to a press release.

BRAC Bank organised the session as lead bank under Bangladesh Bank's guidance, bringing together central bank officials, government representatives, bankers, merchants, entrepreneurs, educators and media professionals.

Khaled Ahmed, executive director of Bangladesh Bank's Sylhet Office, attended the programme as chief guest.

Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, additional director of Bangladesh Bank's Sylhet Office, and Al Nadarun Bin Akon, assistant commissioner and executive magistrate at the Deputy Commissioner's Office, attended as special guests.

Rezaur Rahman, regional head of BRAC Bank's Sylhet Region, presided over the programme. At the same time, Raihanul Kabir, senior manager of e-Commerce, Merchant Acquiring, Retail Banking at BRAC Bank, delivered the keynote presentation.

Bangladesh Bank officials said the national Bangla QR standard enables customers and merchants to make seamless, interoperable payments through participating financial service providers.

Speakers said wider adoption could simplify payment acceptance for merchants, improve transaction transparency and business record-keeping, and strengthen financial inclusion, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises.

They encouraged local businesses to use Bangla QR to reduce dependence on cash and join the country's expanding digital payment ecosystem.

Khaled Ahmed distributed Bangla QR standees and stickers among local entrepreneurs to encourage merchants to accept digital payments.

BRAC Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh Bank's cashless economy initiative by expanding Bangla QR acceptance, onboarding merchants and raising public awareness of digital payments.