Over the last few years, Bangladesh has witnessed significant progress in developing a modern. resilient, and inclusive digital payment ecosystem. Bangladesh Bank has introduced and expanded a suite of national payment infrastructures including BEFTN, BACPS, NPSB, RTGS, Bangla QR. Taka Pay card enabling rapid, secure and accessible financial services across the country.
To take these initiatives to the next level by implementing Inclusive Instant Payment Systems (IIPS) in collaboration with Gates Foundation, Bangladesh Bank hosted a high-level Stakeholder engagement event titled “Instant Payment in Bangladesh: Unveiling Inclusion Opportunities” at The Westin, Dhaka on Monday (24th November, 2025). The event was honored by the presence of the Chief Guest Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor, Bangladesh Bank and was chaired by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Md. Zakir Hossain Chowdhury. Top officials of Bangladesh Bank, MD/CEOs from Banks. MFS, Fintechs, financial & microfinance institutions, representatives from MRA attended the event as distinguished guests reflecting a strong multi-sector engagement. Mr. Michael Wiegand, Director, Inclusive Financial Systems (IFS) of Gates Foundation along with IFS Bangladesh Country Lead. Ms. Snigdha Ali also marked their presence at the event.
In his speech, Honorable Governor emphasized for seamless payment system. He expressed his optimism that this initiative will drive us to the cashless society. He added that Banks, MFS Operators, Microfinance Institutions, Financial Institutions and Payment Service Operators will be brought under one channel so that everyone has access to interoperable financial services. Mr. Mansur also said that there is no alternative to digitization for bringing transparency in transactions.
Moreover, digital transformation will significantly reduce our dependence on cash and minimize cost of printing money. He further added that the plan is to fully implement interoperability by mid 2027. Once successfully implemented, this system will increase country’s tax potential and also reduce transaction costs.
The Chair of the event, Mr. Zakir Hossain Chowdhury, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the guests, reiterated Bangladesh Bank’s commitment to maintaiming collaborative engagement with all payment ecosystem participants to ensure the successful rollout of the Inclusive and Instant Payment System in Bangladesh.
