Staff Correspondent
In a landmark development aimed at advancing digital finance in Bangladesh, the International Finance
Corporation (IFC) and Bangladesh Bank have formalized a new agreement, according to a press release.
With the sponsorship of the Australian government, this agreement aims to support Bangladesh Bank in
creating a conducive environment for the widespread adoption of digital payments within the country.
Through targeted efforts, the IFC-Bangladesh Bank partnership intends to overcome prevailing
challenges and pave the way for a more seamless digital payment landscape in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh economy has reached an inflection point in digital finance with the adoption of mobile
financial services and digitalization of banking facilities in the country. The adoption and acceptance of
digital payments particularly in small businesses is the next critical step for a drive toward a cashless
economy. The project aims to support Bangladesh Bank in issuing new policy to drive digital payment
adoption, conduct country-wide outreach programs, and to increase digital payment adoption by 25%
by 2027.
Martin Holtmann, Country Manager for Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan at IFC said, “Access to innovative,
efficient, affordable, and sustainable financial products is crucial for inclusive growth. This project will
successfully harness the power of digitalization to overcome barriers and unlock the full potential of the
payment industry creating a foundation for deepening digital financial products beyond payments such
as saving, lending, investment and beyond. We are committed to fostering financial inclusion and
catalyzing the transition towards a digitally enabled economy in Bangladesh.”
Md Mezbaul Haque, Executive Director and Spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank said, “In order to align
our national vision Cashless Bangladesh we want to create an ecosystem where every need for a
payment can be done digitally without touching cash. To achieve this goal, we must facilitate digital
payments, especially Bangla QR and Taka pay to the doorsteps of every citizen. Bangladesh Bank has a
long history of working with IFC, and this project is a continuation of our cooperation.”
Australian Deputy High Commissioner Clinton Pobke said, “The IFC-Bangladesh Cashless Digital
Bangladesh project is an important step in Bangladesh Bank’s ambitious agenda to roll out faster, more
convenient and secure digital payment technologies. Understanding the prevailing market conditions
that hinders the development and adoption of E-payment products presents a huge challenge for
regulators seeking to foster innovation, as we know full well from Australia’s own experience with digital
transformation. Australia is very proud to support the Bangladesh Bank and IFC in this journey through
our Bangladesh Economic Engagement Program (BEEP) Fund. We eagerly look forward to seeing the
positive impacts this work will yield for the Bangladesh economy and small businesses, in particular.”
