Imagine a city in Bangladesh where you can breeze through your grocery shopping, scan items yourself at your own pace, and pay instantly—all without waiting in long lines for a cashier. This is not the future; it is happening now, thanks to Shwapno.
On August 20, 2025, Shwapno unveiled Bangladesh’s very first self-checkout counters at their Gulshan-1 outlet, marking a bold step in modernising the country’s retail landscape.
This momentous shift gives customers full control over their shopping journey—no delays, no hassle—just scan, bag, and pay using contactless cards or digital wallets in mere seconds.
“We’re proud to be the first in the country to introduce this service, thanks to the brilliant efforts of our technology team and the unwavering support of our partners,” said Shwapno Managing Director Sabbir Hasan Nasir at the event.
The event, held at Shwapno’s flagship outlet, was attended by key figures, including Mastercard Bangladesh Country Manager Syed Mohammad Kamal, Shwapno Product Manager Rukaia Rafa, Sunmi Technology Country Head Md. Saniul Zadid, and Eastern Bank PLC Deputy Managing Director M Khorshed Anowar.
“This isn’t just about technology; it’s about making life easier for Bangladeshis. Mastercard is thrilled to support Bangladesh’s first self-checkout experience in grocery retail. This is a huge leap for both consumers and the digital economy,” said Syed Mohammad Kamal.
The self-checkout counters, developed by Shwapno’s in-house technology team, represent more than just a retail upgrade; they signify a shift in how customers interact with stores. Shwapno, known for its trailblazing initiatives, is pushing the envelope once again, enabling customers to manage their entire shopping experience independently.
Sunmi Technology played a key role by providing the advanced checkout devices, while EBL facilitated secure payment solutions to ensure a seamless experience.
“Our partnership with Shwapno highlights EBL’s commitment to providing frictionless, modern banking solutions,” said M. Khorshed Anowar.
To mark the occasion, Mastercard is offering eco-friendly shopping bags to customers who make transactions of Tk 1000 or more using any Mastercard at the self-checkout kiosks, incentivising tech-savvy shoppers to embrace this innovation.
Rukaia Rafa proudly added, “This project shows that young Bangladeshi technologists can create innovations that are on par with any developed country. We’ve truly set a new standard for what’s possible in Bangladesh’s retail sector.”
The service, initially available at the Gulshan-1 outlet, will be expanded to other locations across the country in the coming months, offering more shoppers access to this groundbreaking technology.
With each new self-checkout counter, Shwapno is redefining the shopping experience in Bangladesh—faster, smarter, and more customer-focused.
Shwapno, an ACI concern, has been the leader in Bangladesh’s grocery retail sector, with over 500 outlets nationwide. By introducing the self-checkout technology, Shwapno is not only keeping pace with the times but is actively shaping the future of retail in the country.
“Time is increasingly important for both urban and rural people in Bangladesh now,” Sabbir Hasan Nasir said while talking to TIMES of Bangladesh.