As the holy month of Ramadan begins, people across Bangladesh are engaging in acts of charity with renewed dedication. While traditional in-person giving remains common, a rapidly growing number of donors are now opting for digital financial services to distribute their zakat and other forms of donations.

Thanks to technological advancements, charitable organisations are reaching beneficiaries faster, more securely, and with greater transparency than ever before. bKash, the country’s leading mobile financial services, is playing a key role in expanding the proper distribution of donations and zakat. Through its platform, Zakat and donations can now be easily sent to more than 50 charitable and volunteer-based organisations working across the country, ensuring that financial assistance reaches thousands of vulnerable people in need. In addition, zakat and donations can also be sent through the merchant accounts of various organisations and institutions in the country.

Although donations are made throughout the year, the volume of donations increases significantly through digital platforms during Ramadan. Customers can donate easily by clicking the ‘Donation' icon from the bKash app. Users can choose their preferred organisation can be selected from the list, provide their name, email, and contribution amount; and complete the process with just a few taps. If donors want to hide their identity, they can tick the ‘I don't want to share my identity’ option, and every transaction generates an instant acknowledgement receipt.

Emran Hossain, a resident of Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Living a busy life in the city, distributing zakat every Ramadan has been a challenge for him. He said, “Living in Dhaka, it was always difficult to identify the right people to give zakat to. Because of my busy schedule, it became a burdensome task. But for the past two years, I have been able to send my zakat through bKash to my trusted organisations. It ensures the money reaches the right place without extra effort. Honestly, technology has made our lives easier.”

Saira Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh after living abroad for many years, does not know many people in the country. She said, “It’s a relief. Last year, I was able to give my zakat and some donations very easily to my preferred organisations through bKash. This digital process has made donating extremely simple for me.”

One of the organisations that receives donations and zakat through bKash is Obhizatrik Foundation, which supports disadvantaged children for education, runs community kitchens like Appayon, provides daily iftar during Ramadan, and uses zakat funds to empower people through sustainable initiatives.

Executive Director of Obhizatrik Foundation, Ahmed Imtiaz Jami, said, “People can visit our office directly to donate if they wish. However, digital platforms have made fundraising much more dynamic. Now people from any part of the country are donating through our platform using bKash”.

Organisations that receive donations through bKash:

Anjuman Mufidul Islam, Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation, Center for Zakat Management, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, Friendship, Armed Forces Division Relief Fund, BRAC, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, TMSS, As-Sunnah Foundation, Action Aid, Al-Markazul Islami, Chattogram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital, Food for All–Khukumoni Foundation, Islami Bank Foundation (Zakat), icddr,b, JAAGO Foundation, Liberation War Museum, Mastul Foundation, Bidyanondo Foundation, Mojar School, National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, Obhizatrik Foundation, Prothom Alo Trust, Quantum Foundation, Sajida Foundation, Shakti Foundation, SOS Children’s Village Bangladesh, UNICEF, World Food Programme, July Shaheed Smriti Foundation- among many others.

In addition to the bKash app, customers can visit this website https://www.bkash.com/en/products-services/donation to know details about donation.