Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur announced plans to make Cox’s Bazar the country’s first “cashless district” as part of a broader push to expand digital payments and modernise the financial system.
He also said that the central bank aims to digitise at least 75% of retail transactions by 2027.
The governor made the remarks while speaking at a views-exchange meeting titled “Economic Potential of the Chattogram Region and the Role of the Central Bank at the Regional Level”, held in Chattogram.
Representatives from business chambers, banks, port and customs authorities, government agencies, academics, and other professional groups across the Chattogram division attended the meeting.
Dr Mansur said that for a successful “cashless Bangladesh”, every citizen must have access to affordable smartphones priced between Tk6,000 and Tk7,000.
He also emphasised expanding agent banking nationwide, particularly by appointing more women agents in marginal and remote areas to boost financial inclusion.
The BB governor also announced that the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system, an instant electronic funds transfer mechanism, will soon be implemented at all seaports and airports nationwide.
The move aims to enable 24/7 transactions and make import-export operations faster and more efficient, he added.
He emphasised expanding SME and agricultural financing at the district and grassroots levels, urging unused Bangladesh Bank refinancing funds to be allocated to suitable clients in Chattogram.
To boost financial inclusion and digital awareness, the governor urged banks to conduct literacy training in at least one educational institution and promote digital, cashless transactions across schools, colleges, and universities.
The meeting was chaired by Md Mokbul Hossain, executive director of Bangladesh Bank’s Chattogram office. Guests of honour included Dr Mahmud Abdul Matin Bhuiyan, vice-chancellor of Chattogram University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), and Md Khosru Parvez, executive director of Bangladesh Bank’s head office.
The programme opened with a welcome address by Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman, director of the Administration Department at Bangladesh Bank’s Chattogram office, followed by a concept paper presentation by Additional Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Amin.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
