bKash launches 'Digital Union' to raise digital financial literacy

bKash has launched the 'Digital Union' initiative e in two unions of Cumilla to take easy and safe digital transactions to rural people's doorsteps.  

The year-long pilot programme began in Jagannathpur and Panchthubi unions and aims to roll out nationwide.  The launch was celebrated with diverse activities, including Baul (folk) music, a colourful procession, and Uthan Boithok (courtyard meetings), drawing spontaneous participation from people across all segments of these two unions.

From its inception, Bangladesh's largest MFS provider, bKash, has been dedicated to empowering marginalised communities across Bangladesh by introducing them to digital financial transactions.  These efforts aim to enhance capacity and freedom in their daily transactions. Continuing to that goal, bKash has begun this initiative at the union level to boost digital financial literacy further.

The programme will raise awareness of easy and safe digital transactions using bKash accounts through various activities, such as door-to-door visits, meetings, announcements, educational videos, Baul songs, and games.  Participants in the Digital Union programme will also learn about using bKash for bill payments, microfinance, other essential services, and safe mobile banking.  The initiative will eventually expand nationwide.

Representatives from relevant utility companies and senior bKash officials attended the launch event. They encouraged residents to embrace digital transactions for a more convenient lifestyle, financial security, and a brighter future.

Notably, bKash's Pay Bill service has simplified electricity payments for rural and marginalised communities, allowing them to pay their own and family bills anytime, anywhere, directly from their bKash accounts.  The bKash app's 'Microfinance' option enables customers to pay savings and loan instalments to various NGOs.