bKash pushes awareness, incentives
Business Desk :
Encouraging people to adopt digital payments in daily life requires more than technology, experts said at a discussion organized by bKash in Chattogram.
Stakeholders highlighted the need for consumer awareness, habit-building, and targeted incentives to make digital payments more widespread.
The event, titled “Digital Payment in the Port City”, was held at The Peninsula Chattagong and featured representatives from local businesses, hospitals, hotels, supermarkets, and travel agencies.
The discussion was chaired by bKash Chief Commercial Officer Ali Ahmmed.
Participants said that while digital payments are growing in Bangladesh, many people still rely heavily on cash.
They recommended region-specific campaigns in local dialects, hands-on training for elderly and tech-averse individuals, and incentives such as discounts or offers to encourage digital transactions,according to press release.
Some superstore owners reported that around 70 per cent of their customers already pay digitally via bank cards or mobile financial services like bKash. With proper initiatives, they believe this could rise above 90per cent.
They also suggested providing Wi-Fi at billing counters and teaching USSD-based payments for customers without smartphones or internet access.
Speaking at the event, Ali Ahmmed said, “Currently, around 10 million people in Bangladesh make different types of digital payments daily.
With the right policies and partnerships among tech companies, businesses, and financial institutions, this number can grow significantly.”
He added that expanding digital payments could reduce costs for consumers and help people who are hesitant about technology feel more comfortable using it.
bKash currently has 82 million verified users and about 1 million merchants, playing a key role in promoting digital transactions.
Despite government efforts to create a cashless economy, about 72per cent of transactions in Bangladesh are still cash-based, costing over Tk 200 billion annually for printing, storing, and transporting cash.
olicymakers say wider use of digital payments could cut these costs in half.
The government is supporting this shift through initiatives such as digital banks, private credit bureaus, interoperability between banks and MFS providers, low-cost smartphone production, and making Bangla QR mandatory for trade license renewals.
Experts agreed that combining technology, awareness, incentives, and supportive policies is key to making digital payments a part of everyday life in Bangladesh.