Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday said transactions through Bangla QR codes will be completely free as the government moves to build a cashless Bangladesh and promote the digital economy.
“There will be no fees or charges for transactions through Bangla QR. Any transaction using the QR code will be completed free of cost, without any additional charge,” he said.
The minister was speaking after inaugurating shopping through Bangla QR at Banani Kitchen Market in the capital and inspecting QR code-based transactions there.
He said the government plans to bring people from all sections of society including fuchka sellers, rickshaw pullers and small traders under QR code-based digital financial services.
Under the system, even small traders and street vendors will be able to receive payments directly into accounts with any bank or service provider using QR codes, he said.
“This will remove the need for people to carry cash and make transactions easier and faster,” the minister said.
Khosru said some minor technical challenges or temporary problems might emerge during the initial stage, but those could be resolved quickly.
He said cashless transactions have already proved to be convenient and secure in many developed and fast-growing economies around the world.
“Bangladesh Bank is also working to make this international practice universal in Bangladesh,” he said.
The minister urged citizens, businesses and service providers to participate in the government initiative without hesitation to help build a cashless and secure economic system.