bKash hosts dialogue in Chattogram on promoting digital payments

Alongside raising consumer awareness and fostering digital transaction habits, a multi-pronged strategy is required to popularise digital payments in everyday life. Stakeholders emphasised that an essential shift in user behaviour, coupled with strengthening the foundational digital ecosystem, is necessary to drive this change. They also highlighted the need for systemic cooperation between businesses and financial institutions, diversification of digital transactions, improved digital literacy, and better internet infrastructure.

These insights and recommendations came at a discussion titled "Digital Payment in the Port City," held at The Peninsula Chittagong and organised by the country's largest mobile financial service (MFS) provider, bKash. The event was chaired by bKash's Chief Commercial Officer, Ali Ahmmed, and attended by entrepreneurs and representatives from Barcode Café, Chattogram Maa-O-Shishu General Hospital, Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View, Epic Healthcare, Utshab Supermarket, Chittagong Club Limited, Shajinaz Hospital Limited, Amy Travels, Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training Complex, Shoilpik, The Peninsula Chittagong, Shopping Bag, and several other organisations.

Participants noted that while people in many countries can spend an entire day without using cash, Bangladesh is gradually moving towards a similar trend. However, they stressed that more awareness campaigns are needed to encourage customers to adopt digital payment habits.

Speakers recommended region-specific campaigns in local dialects to engage customers more effectively and suggested hands-on training for elderly or tech-averse individuals to help them navigate digital transaction processes.

Several superstore owners mentioned that about 70% of their customers now pay digitally—via bank cards or MFS platforms like bKash—and that the number could rise to 90% with proper initiatives. They suggested that offering incentives and discounts could further promote digital payments.

Speakers also pointed out that many middle and lower-middle-income customers still struggle to access digital payment services due to limited smartphone or internet availability. They proposed that businesses provide Wi-Fi at billing counters and demonstrate USSD-based payment methods to bridge the gap.

Welcoming these recommendations, bKash's Chief Commercial Officer, Ali Ahmmed, said, "Although a large portion of digital transactions is still limited to sending and withdrawing money, at least 10 million people in Bangladesh make different types of digital payments daily. This number can be multiplied with the right policy support, coordination, and partnerships among tech companies, businesses, and financial institutions."

He added that expanding digital transactions could lower consumer costs and create opportunities to build confidence among those hesitant about using technology.

Currently, bKash has about 82 million verified customers and one million merchants, playing a significant role in democratising digital transactions nationwide.

The government and Bangladesh Bank have been advocating for a cashless economy in recent years. Still, around 72% of transactions in the country remain cash-based, with over Tk200 billion spent annually on cash management, including printing, storing, and transporting banknotes. Policymakers believe this cost can be halved through greater adoption of digital transactions.

To this end, the government is working to promote digital banks, establish private credit bureaus, enhance interoperability between banks and MFS providers, and support low-cost smartphone production. Additionally, the use of Bangla QR codes has been made mandatory for trade licence renewals to modernise transactions and reduce costs.