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Sunday | September 20, 2026 | Dhaka

Govt to issue digital bank licences soon Finance Minister

Robust internet, one citizen-one wallet needed for sustainable development
 Business Report
 Published: 12:01 AM, 20 September 2026

The government is gearing up to grant digital banking licences shortly as part of a broader strategy to accelerate financial inclusion and expand the nation’s digital economy, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated on Saturday.

Finance Minister also said robust internet connectivity, a “one citizen-one wallet” system and the integration of the rural economy into the digital system are essential for sustainable development and for bringing marginalised people into the economic mainstream.

“Digital inclusion and financial inclusion complement each other. Robust digital infrastructure and effective implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) can help ensure sustainable development,” he said.

The Finance Minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a group dialogue titled “Financial Inclusion 2.0”, organised by the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) at a hotel in the capital, said a Finance Ministry press release.

He noted that digital banking will not operate in isolation, but will instead function as a core element of a broader financial network encompassing high-speed internet, digital payment systems, and formal banking access.

However, the minister emphasized a phased implementation strategy, advising regulators and institutions to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures, resilient technical infrastructure, and seamless credit information integration to ensure long-term stability.

He further said strong digital infrastructure was needed before expanding digital financial services.

Amir Khosru said the new system could bring people currently outside the formal financial system into banking, particularly low-income households, farmers and other underserved groups.

He cited government-backed payment programmes as an example, saying regular digital transactions could encourage people without bank accounts to enter the formal financial system.

Many Family Card beneficiaries, particularly housewives, do not have bank accounts, he said. Regular payments through formal channels could encourage them to open accounts.

Former Bangladesh Bank governor Ahsan H Mansur said Bangla QR was an important initiative but required safeguards to prevent misuse.

“Bangla QR is something we have to embrace, but at the same time we have to prevent its abuse,” he said.

Mansur said that during his tenure, local governments had been instructed to require businesses seeking new or renewed trade licences to have a Bangla QR facility.

He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a single national QR standard accessible to all institutions and customers.

PPRC Executive Chairman Hossain Zillur Rahman said Bangladesh needed a sustainable roadmap for implementing Bangla QR, incorporating the views of all relevant stakeholders.

He said building a functional digital financial ecosystem required coordinated action across multiple areas and that stakeholders were prepared to contribute to the process.

“The system has to match through a sustainable roadmap approach. It requires a much, much bigger discussion,” he added.