Cashless Campaign: Visa Launches Digital Pilot in Savar
Visa, a global leader in digital payment services, has launched a pilot initiative titled ‘Cashless Savar’ in collaboration with SSLCommerz. Held at Savar New Market, the program aims to expand Visa card acceptance and promote digital transactions in the Savar region, outside the capital city of Dhaka.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Md. Sharafat Ullah Khan, Director of the Payment Systems Department of Bangladesh Bank, as the chief guest. Visa Bangladesh Country Manager Sabbir Ahmed, SSLCommerz Director Ryan S. Islam, and senior officials from partner organizations were also present.
Following the launch, the Bangladesh Bank team visited several retail outlets in the market, conducted transactions using Visa cards, and engaged with both merchants and customers to discuss strategies for enhancing digital payment adoption.
The ‘Cashless Savar’ initiative broadens the scope of card-based transactions in the country and is expected to be rolled out in other regions in future phases.
Aligned with Bangladesh Bank’s vision for a ‘Cashless Bangladesh,’ this initiative reinforces the central bank’s commitment to advancing a digital, secure, and convenient payment ecosystem. During the event, Director Md. Sharafat Ullah Khan emphasized the importance of expanding such initiatives to other areas and encouraged continuous engagement with participating merchants.
Sabbir Ahmed, Visa’s Country Manager for Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, stated, “Our mission is to provide the best way to pay and be paid for everyone, everywhere. We believe the benefits of digital payments should be accessible to all. Through ‘Cashless Savar,’ we are taking an important step in empowering communities and merchants outside metropolitan areas with cashless transaction options, which in turn will strengthen local economic frameworks.”
Md. Sharafat Ullah Khan added, “‘Cashless Savar’ is a timely and commendable initiative by Visa to extend digital payment services and encourage adoption among underserved communities outside Dhaka. Successful expansion of such programs across other districts and sub-districts will pave the way toward achieving a truly ‘Cashless Bangladesh.’”
He reaffirmed that Bangladesh Bank remains committed to providing policy support to reduce cash dependency and establish an inclusive, safe, and efficient payment infrastructure. “Through collective efforts, we can build a modern, technology-driven economic system,” he concluded.
