In a major step toward digitising the country’s infrastructure services, Nagad, the mobile financial service of the Bangladesh Post Office, has been formally inducted into the Padma Bridge’s Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system.
This marks the end of traditional cash-based toll collection on the country’s most iconic bridge, said a press release..
The agreement between Nagad and the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) was signed on Wednesday at a ceremony held at Shetu Bhaban in the capital. Through this partnership, tolls will soon be collected electronically using RFID technology, allowing vehicles to cross the bridge without stopping, thereby saving valuable time and reducing traffic congestion.
Nurul Hoq, Director (Finance and Accounts) and Joint Secretary of the BBA, and Md. Muiz Tasnim Taqui, Chief Strategy Officer of Nagad, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. The event was attended by Mohammad Abdur Rouf, Secretary of the Bridges Division and Executive Director of the BBA, along with other senior officials including Altaf Hossain Sheikh and Md. Motasem Billah, Administrator of Nagad.
Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary Rouf said, “We’re transitioning to an automated toll collection system to ensure smoother travel, especially ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. Our collaboration with Nagad and other financial institutions is a critical step toward that goal.”
Nagad administrator Motasem Billah emphasised that their upgraded technology and incentive programs would encourage public adoption, ultimately reducing toll plaza congestion and improving overall user experience.
Chief Strategy Officer Muiz Tasnim Taqui added that coordination with BRTA will be key to the success of this digital transition.