Digital Transactions Turn Into Trees

A new plantation programme has begun in Khulna under bKash Bon, an initiative that connects customers’ digital transactions with real-world tree plantation. Through the system, eligible digital transactions generate Green Points that gradually grow a virtual tree in the bKash app. Once the required points are reached, bKash plants a real tree against that virtual tree.

The programme was launched on Sunday, September 27, at Solar Park and Linear Park in Khulna through a joint initiative of Khulna City Corporation and bKash. Environment, Forest and Climate Change State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam and Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju inaugurated the programme by planting trees at Solar Park. A total of 25,000 trees will be planted in Khulna under the programme.

Khulna City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed, Khulna Divisional Forest Conservator Imran Ahmed, and bKash Executive Vice President and Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Humayun Kabir, among others, attended the programme.

From Digital Transactions to Real Trees

Under bKash Bon, customers receive Green Points for selected transactions through the bKash app. These include utility bill payments, opening DPS accounts, adding money, taking loans, mobile recharges and sending money.

As Green Points accumulate, virtual saplings in the bKash Bon section of the app gradually grow into virtual trees. Once the required points are achieved, bKash plants a real tree corresponding to the completed virtual tree. Customers can later view updated information about the planted tree through the app.

The model therefore creates a digital-to-physical environmental pathway: a customer’s eligible digital transaction contributes to a virtual tree, which can ultimately result in an actual tree being planted.

Focus on Climate Risk in Southern Bangladesh

State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam said the plantation programme would focus not only on planting trees but also on their maintenance and care. He said attention would also be given to selecting appropriate tree species for specific locations and ensuring their subsequent care.

He said the ministry was working to encourage individuals and organisations, alongside government initiatives, to participate in tree plantation.

Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju said Khulna and the wider southern region of Bangladesh face climate-related risks. He stressed the importance of building green belts across coastal areas to help protect people and property from storms and tidal surges.

Linking Digital Services with Climate Action

According to bKash, the company has spent the past 15 years expanding digital financial services to reduce travel, paper use and waiting times associated with traditional financial transactions. It says digital receipts, paperless loans and contactless payments are among more than 200 cashless services that contribute to reducing carbon emissions.

bKash Bon extends that digital model into environmental action by connecting selected digital transactions with tree plantation. The initiative uses the app to track virtual trees while translating completed virtual trees into real plantation activities.

//DBTech/MSHP/PBI/SVP//