Speaking at the BanglaQR Fair, Amir Khasru expects digital transactions to reach Tk 2 lakh crore this year, with a long-term target of Tk 5 lakh crore
Finance Minister Calls for Expanding Digital Payments to Build a Cashless Bangladesh
Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has called for expanding digital transactions to help build a cashless Bangladesh, saying QR code-based payment systems are making everyday financial transactions easier and more efficient.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the BanglaQR Fair at the International Convention Centre in Chattogram on Saturday (July 4). Chattogram Chamber President Amirul Haque attended the event as a special guest.
The minister said QR-based payments eliminate the need to carry cash, wait for change, or spend extra time during transactions. While younger people have readily embraced digital payments, he expressed confidence that older generations will gradually adopt the technology as well.
According to the finance minister, around 690,000 merchants across the country are now connected to mobile financial services (MFS) and QR-based payment platforms. Monthly digital transactions currently stand at approximately Tk 15,000 crore, and are expected to reach Tk 2 lakh crore this year. Bangladesh Bank aims to increase that figure to Tk 5 lakh crore in the future.
He urged businesses in Chattogram to accelerate the adoption of BanglaQR, noting that the country's main port city should maintain its leadership in digital commerce after Dhaka.
The minister also said the government's goal is to build a fully digital economy, adding that Bangladesh Bank currently spends around Tk 20,000 crore annually on printing, storing, transporting, and managing cash. A fully cashless system could reduce those costs by nearly half, ultimately benefiting the public.
//DBTech/BN/MI//
