NRB Bank PLC led a two-day seminar, campaign, and roadshow titled Cashless Bangladesh in Cumilla, promoting digital transactions through Bangla QR. The event, held at Cumilla University and Victoria College, saw participation from officials of 45 banks in the region.
The program was presided over by Rafeza Akhter Kanta, director of the Payment Systems Department of Bangladesh Bank, and inaugurated by Arief Hossain Khan, executive director of Bangladesh Bank. NRB Bank’s Managing Director (current charge) Anwar Uddin attended as a Special Guest.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the benefits of cashless digital transactions, particularly QR code payments. Speakers highlighted that the cost of handling cash in Bangladesh exceeds Tk 20,000 crore annually and can be significantly reduced through digital transactions. Bangladesh aims to reduce cash usage and move towards a zero-cash economy within ten years.
The event emphasized how a cashless economy would strengthen financial discipline, reduce counterfeit activities, and improve overall economic efficiency. Many countries have already transitioned to fully cashless systems, and Bangladesh is progressing on the same path.
Other attendees included Md Shaheen Howlader, deputy managing director of NRB Bank; Tanzina Jahan, assistant commissioner (land); and Parvez Anjum Monir, additional director of the Payment Systems Department.