'Cashless Bangladesh Initiative' held at Islamic University

To promote cashless financial systems and further popularize digital payment methods, a day-long awareness seminar titled “Cashless Bangladesh Initiative” was held at Islamic University, Kushtia.

The program was organized under the initiative of Bangladesh Bank, with United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) serving as the lead bank, according to a media release. 

The seminar took place on Monday (19 January) at the Birshreshtha Hamidur Rahman Auditorium of Islamic University.

The Vice-Chancellor of Islamic University, Professor Dr. Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah, attended the event as the Chief Guest.

The seminar was chaired by A. N. M. Moinul Kabir, Director (PSD-1) of the Payment Systems Department, Bangladesh Bank (Head Office). Special guests included Amzad Hossain Khan, Executive Director (Grade-1) of Bangladesh Bank, Rajshahi Office; Rathin Kumar Pal, Director of the same office; and Md. Abdullah Al Mamoon, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of United Commercial Bank PLC.

At the beginning of the seminar, representatives from Bangladesh Bank delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining the objectives, activities, and future prospects of the Cashless Bangladesh Initiative, along with the potential of digital payment systems.

In his speech as Chief Guest, Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah stated, “Expanding digital transactions not only saves time and cost, but also ensures transparency and accountability. The implementation of a cashless Bangladesh will become much easier through the active participation of the younger generation and students.”

In his address as Chair, A. N. M. Moinul Kabir said, “A cashless transaction system will enhance speed and security in the country’s financial sector. Modern payment systems, including Bangla QR, will play a vital role in ensuring financial inclusion in people’s everyday lives.”

The special guests emphasized that the expansion of digital payment systems would integrate rural and marginal communities into the mainstream economy and help build a smart and sustainable economic framework.

Md. Abdullah Al Mamoon, DMD and COO of UCB, remarked, “UCB is committed to ensuring secure, fast, and user-friendly digital banking services for its customers. We believe that the implementation of a cashless Bangladesh will reduce corruption, increase revenue collection, and make the national economy more dynamic.”

An open discussion session was held at the end of the seminar. In addition, participants were provided with hands-on guidance on using digital payment methods, including Bangla QR codes, at booths set up by various banks.

Senior officials from UCB and other banks, university teachers and students, and distinguished individuals from various professions were present at the event, the release adds.