FAO to disburse cash support through bKash
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has signed an agreement with bKash to deliver cash assistance and incentives directly to beneficiaries, streamlining field-level financial management and reinforcing a commitment to transparency and efficiency.
The initiative aims to make FAO's field-level financial management simpler, more transparent, and more secure, according to a press release.
Beneficiaries will receive assistance instantly in their bKash accounts, enabling immediate use of funds for emergency and daily needs.
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The agreement was signed at the FAO Bangladesh Country Office in Dhaka.
Attendees included Jiaoqun Shi, FAO representative; Dia Sanou, deputy FAO representative; and Ekramul Hoque, assistant FAO representative for administration.
bKash chief commercial officer Ali Ahmmed, head of business sales Masrur Chowdhury, and vice-president for microfinance payment, business sales, Novera Ayesha Zaman, were also present.
Under the agreement, FAO will use bKash's 'Disbursement Solution' to send unconditional cash assistance to communities affected by natural disasters, including farmers, fishers, livestock keepers, and day labourers.
The system will enable FAO to make immediate disbursements as needed, including on weekends and holidays.
The support is expected to help beneficiaries meet urgent needs and recover swiftly from disaster-related shocks.
FAO will also use bKash's disbursement solution to implement its cash-for-work initiatives.
Under the programme, vulnerable people receive cash wages in exchange for short-term work supporting agriculture, food security, and natural resource management.
FAO stated that the initiative will help build resilience and ensure sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.
Programme facilitators will also receive allowances directly through bKash.
Recipients can cash out payments at bKash agent points or ATM booths nationwide.
They can also use their bKash accounts from home for merchant payments, utility bills, money transfers, mobile recharges, education fees, and government payments without visiting an agent po
