The government plans to accelerate Bangladesh’s digital transformation to make banking and financial services accessible nationwide, with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday directing financial institutions to expand the reach of digital platforms and increase customer adoption.
Speaking at the Financial Institutions Division’s “Innovation Showcasing 2025-26” programme in Dhaka, the minister said the country should move towards full digitalisation without delay to simplify service delivery, improve transparency and reduce the time and cost of accessing financial services.
The push forms part of the government’s broader effort to deepen financial inclusion by bringing more individuals and businesses into the formal financial system. Amir Khosru said digitalisation should benefit every section of society, including businesses, farmers, workers and low-income groups, while supporting implementation of the government’s inclusive development agenda.
He said the latest budget had been designed to widen economic participation by bringing previously underserved groups, including artisans, craftsmen and performers, into the formal economy, adding that technology would be the key enabler.
Pointing to international experience, the minister said a high-level government delegation was visiting Estonia to study the country’s digital governance model.
He instructed officials to adopt global best practices quickly to modernise Bangladesh’s financial sector.
The minister also shifted the focus from developing digital products to expanding their use. He asked banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions to measure how many customers were actively using digital services rather than simply introducing new platforms.
He urged branch officials to help customers move from conventional banking to online services through direct engagement and greater awareness of the convenience offered by digital channels.
Digital services should be expanded across banks, insurance companies and capital market institutions so customers can complete transactions from home or while travelling, he said, adding that reducing travel time, administrative costs and inconvenience would improve productivity across the economy.
Amir Khosru also called on the media to promote public awareness of digital financial services to accelerate the country’s digital transition.
Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek chaired the programme, which was attended by senior officials of the division, representatives of Bangladesh Bank and executives from banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions.
