Central Bank Approves Smartphone Access Pilot

To facilitate hardware technology access and integrate marginal, rural, and low-income populations into the digital financial ecosystem, Bangladesh Bank has approved a special pilot program for 'Shohoj Mobile BD Limited'. The Payment Systems Department-1 of the central bank issued an official No Objection Certificate (NOC) on August 9 under specific regulatory conditions, which was disclosed on August 11, 2026, Wednesday.

According to Bangladesh Bank directives, the initiative aims to reduce the single-upfront payment barrier associated with purchasing smartphones. Modern mobile financial services (MFS), digital payment architectures, online education platforms, e-health systems, government e-services, agricultural data networks, and micro-business management depend directly on smart devices; however, device pricing has remained a key adoption hurdle. The Payment Systems Department-1 will continuously monitor the pilot progress based on periodic compliance reports submitted by the company.

Following the approval, Abu Nayeem Foyez, Managing Director of Shohoj Mobile BD Limited, stated, "The objective of this initiative is to ensure that financial limitations do not deprive anyone of these opportunities. Under the guidance and supervision of Bangladesh Bank, the pilot project will be implemented responsibly, laying the groundwork for broader digital participation in Bangladesh."

Abu Al Motalib, Director of Shohoj Mobile BD Limited, noted, "The full potential of Bangladesh's digital transformation will be realized when small entrepreneurs, farmers, workers, and low-income families outside major cities can seamlessly participate in the digital economy. An accessible smartphone enables essential access to banking, digital payments, education, information, and business services."
//DBTech/DIN/MIS//