Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC has taken extensive preparations to support the nationwide roll-out of Bangla QR, positioning itself as one of the leading participants in Bangladesh's evolving digital payments ecosystem, the bank's top executive has said.
"We've already completed the required system integration and enabled Bangla QR transactions through our CellFin app, while rapidly expanding our merchant network across the country," Md. Altaf Hossain, Acting Managing Director (MD) of Islami Bank, told The Financial Express (FE) in an exclusive interview recently.
He also discussed the bank's readiness for Bangla QR, efforts to expand its merchant network, strategies to encourage customer adoption, and the role of interoperable digital payments in advancing financial inclusion and building a cashless economy.
"We're working on expansion of network and encourage more customers and businesses to adopt digital payments through our 400 branches, 276 sub-branches, and around 2,800 agent outlets across the country," the top executive said while replying to a query.
Islami Bank onboarded 103,465 Bangla QR merchants until July 12, 2026. It also registered a record 7,037 merchant sign-ups in a single day on July 12, according to its Acting MD.
Responding to a question on the potential impact of Bangla QR on Bangladesh's digital payment ecosystem, the experienced banker said the platform has the potential to make digital payments simpler and more convenient by enabling customers to make payments through a single QR code using different banks and payment apps. Its wider adoption would encourage consumers and businesses to shift from cash to digital transactions, making payments faster, safer and more efficient.
"We believe Bangla QR will play a vital role in advancing financial inclusion and supporting Bangladesh's transition towards a cashless society," he noted.
Regarding the benefits of interoperability, the Acting MD said the biggest advantage of Bangla QR was convenience. Customers can make payments using their preferred bank or payment app by scanning a single QR code, without having to worry about which service provider the merchant uses. For merchants, it eliminates the need to display multiple QR codes, as a single Bangla QR can accept payments from different platforms. This simplifies transactions, enhances the customer experience and encourages the wider adoption of digital payments in everyday life.
Speaking about the challenges in the successful rollout of Bangla QR, Mr. Hossain said the biggest hurdle is not technology but changing people's habits. Many consumers and small businesses still prefer cash because they are more familiar with it. Therefore, building awareness, trust and confidence in digital payments will be crucial to accelerating the adoption of Bangla QR across the country.
At the same time, ensuring strong cybersecurity, reliable systems, uninterrupted network connectivity and close coordination among banks, payment service providers and regulators will be essential to sustaining public confidence and supporting the long-term success of the platform, he added.
Speaking about the role of Bangla QR in supporting small businesses, SMEs and rural entrepreneurs, the senior banker said the platform can make digital payments simple, affordable and accessible for these segments. It enables merchants to accept digital payments without investing in expensive devices or infrastructure, making it easier to serve more customers and expand their businesses. At the same time, it promotes account-based transactions, helping bring more individuals and businesses into the formal financial system.
"As adoption increases, Bangla QR is expected to strengthen financial inclusion and create greater economic opportunities across Bangladesh," said the Acting MD with more than 35 years of experience in banking, while replying to a query about the role of the Bangla QR in promoting financial inclusion.
Commenting on Bangladesh's digital payment ecosystem's prospect, Mr. Hossain said over the next five years, digital payments would become an integral part of everyday life in Bangladesh.
Bangla QR has the potential to connect banks, mobile financial services (MFS) and other payment providers through a single, interoperable platform, making transactions simpler and more convenient, he said, adding that as adoption grows among consumers and businesses, reliance on cash is likely to decline significantly. While cash may not disappear entirely, Bangla QR can emerge as a key driver of a modern, cashless economy.
Looking ahead, he said the introduction of cross-border QR payments could further enhance convenience by enabling foreign tourists and expatriates to access and pay for services seamlessly through QR-based transactions.
Before joining Islami Bank in 2004, Mr. Hossain held senior positions at major organisations including BRAC, MIDAS and Grameen Fund.
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