bKash customers have already opened over 3.2 million DPS with IDLC Finance, Mutual Trust Bank, Dhaka Bank, City Bank, and BRAC Bank through bKash app from the comfort of their homes. This trailblazing achievement has been made possible in a span of just three years through the user-friendly bKash app, eliminating the need for paperwork and bank accounts. The overwhelming response from customers is a testament to bKash’s innovative technology and the trust in its partner banks. A remarkable 96% of the customers, whose DPSs have matured, have expressed the desire to continue their savings journey through the bKash app. By promoting savings habits, collaboration of banks and bKash is not only empowering individuals to secure their financial well-being but also contributing to the overall economic growth of the nation. The country’s largest MFS provider bKash has introduced monthly DPS of IDLC Finance in its platform in 2021. Following the success of that product, four other commercial banks gradually onboarded in bKash’s platform. Later, weekly DPS service of two banks and a financial institution was added to the bKash app in early 2024. Apart from regular DPS, the customers interested in savings as per the Islami Shariah can avail Islamic DPS of City Bank and Dhaka Bank. bKash has organised a view exchange programme today (Tuesday) with the stakeholders at a convention centre in the city to celebrate the success and discuss the way forward of digital savings by leveraging the collaboration between MFS and banking sector. The invited guests at the programme discussed how to make financial inclusion sustainable through collaboration and utilising each other’s expertise to cater the financial services at everyone’s doorstep. Md. Zakir Hossain Chowdhury, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank addressed the event as the chief guest. A view-exchange session was participated by M Jamal Uddin, CEO & Managing Director of IDLC Finance, Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of Mutual Trust Bank, Sheikh Mohammad Maroof, Managing Director & CEO of Dhaka Bank, Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director & CEO of City Bank, and Selim R.F. Hussain, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank. Meanwhile, Ahsan Zaman Chowdhury, Managing Director & CEO, Trust Bank and Kamal Quadir, founder and CEO of bKash, also spoke at the event. Read: bKash payment now available at Balaka Executive Lounge of Shahjalal Airport In chief guest’s speech, Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Md. Zakir Hossain Chowdhury said, “Currently, upon maturity, DPS money is deposited into the customers’ bKash accounts without any hassle. On behalf of Bangladesh Bank and the people, I applaud bKash for this success. I also thank the renowned banks of the country who have joined with bKash’s initiative. The Payment Services Department (PSD) of the central bank is continuously working to make payments more efficient. bKash is also playing a role in this process for which I express my gratitude to the company.” CEO & Managing Director of IDLC Finance M Jamal Uddin said, “After integration with bKash, we have acquired 1.2 million customers so quickly which has never happened before. Before getting connected with bKash, we had no idea that the people of Bangladesh were that much interested in savings. We have seen that the victims of flood during August-September this year, withdrew their savings to meet emergency needs; and the interesting thing is when the situation came to normal, people have again started opening new savings.” Managing Director & CEO of Mutual Trust Bank Syed Mahbubur Rahman said, “The future is bleak without collaboration and co-creation. It is quite costly for banks to reach out to marginalised communities of their own. MFS has made this process easier. Such partnerships are assisting us to reach goals more efficiently.” Managing Director & CEO of Dhaka Bank Sheikh Mohammad Maroof, said, “Everyone has some sort of responsibility to improve the financial ecosystem in the country. To bring the financial services to common people, issues like regulations, policy framework, and cyber security need to be emphasised by the regulatory authorities. Besides, the government should motivate and incentivise people to raise their trust on digital transactions.” City Bank Managing Director and CEO Mashrur Arefin said, “bKash has changed the landscape for banks in Bangladesh. Banking services are reaching people in all corners of the country through bank-MFS collaboration. Like City Bank’s Islamic banking, City Bank’s Islamic saving is available in the bKash app. It has been brought to the customers in compliance with complete Shariah-based rules vetted by the Sharia Advisory Board.” Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Selim R. F. Hussain said, “Compared to many other countries, Bangladesh’s savings rate is quite low, which means there is room for more effort in this sector. When individuals save for various needs, it also becomes significant for the country’s economy. The more savings are there, banks can channel them into investments in various businesses. Investment should not only come from abroad, our local investment should come from our own savings.” Read more: Renata Pharmaceutical to use bKash’s ‘Cash Pickup’ service Speaking at the event, founder and CEO of bKash Kamal Quadir said, “Prosperity begins with savings. The day someone saves one taka, the future plan starts. That’s the beauty of savings on the bKash app. The policy support of Bangladesh Bank was crucial too in this regard. bKash would never be able to reach this point without the infrastructure of its partner banks. Currently, bKash customers can open monthly and weekly DPS with four commercial banks and a financial institution. Subjecting to DPS type and organisation, customers can save from as little as Tk 250 to Tk 10,000. By following some simple steps, anyone can open DPS by tapping on ‘Savings’ icon in the bKash app. Besides, upon maturity of the DPS, customers can cash out the money without any charge.    

Now, bKash users have access to the exclusive amenities of the Balaka Executive Lounge at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Whether it's a pre-flight relaxation or a layover, passengers can conveniently pay for services using bKash payments. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between InterContinental Dhaka and bKash, said a media release on Sunday. Ali Ahmmed, Chief Commercial Officer of bKash and Ashwani Nayar, General Manager of InterContinental Dhaka signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations at the hotel's executive office. Senior officials from both organisations were also present. Balaka Executive Lounge is the largest premium lounge at the Shahjalal International Airport, operated by InterContinental Dhaka. It offers a wide range of amenities, including a selection of premium food and beverages, workstations, high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, wheelchair access, and dedicated luggage storage areas, providing travellers with a luxurious and comfortable environment to relax before and in-between their flights.  

‘bKash Map’, live location service of finding agents, merchants and customer care centers through bKash app, has won the 4th Bangladesh Innovation Award 2022 in ‘Best Innovation-Product Development’ category. bKash has also won “Honorable Mention” award in the ‘Best Innovation-Finance Innovation in other Financial Institutions’ category for ‘Loan (from bank and financial institution)’. The awards, conferred by Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, recognize innovations and ideas that have been making people’s life easier. Read: Payoneer to Bkash Fund Transfer: A Great Advancement of Freelancing in Bangladesh This year, 18 innovations have been announced winners and 20 more received “honorable mentions,” said a media release on Wednesday. Mohammad Azmal Huda, Chief Product and Technology Officer of bKash received the awards from Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Affairs Adviser Salman F Rahman and Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam held at a city hotel recently. State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak was also present at the event. Read: bKash to bring payments to freelancers through Payoneer in real time bKash Map facilitates the customers to easily find the location of the nearest bKash agent, merchant and customer care centers. By using the map, customers can seamlessly avail services from 3 lakh agent points, 284 Customer Care centers and more than 2,60,000 merchant points across the country. Customers can easily use the bKash map by tapping the bKash logo on the top right corner of the app's home screen. The logos of ‘Merchants’, ‘Agents’ and ‘Customer Care’ are found at the bottom of the map. Customers can see five nearby agent or customer care points by tapping on ‘Agents’ or ‘Customer Care’. Read bKash relaunches digital payroll solution for RMG workers They can also get the directions through the ‘Show Route’ option of the selected merchant, agent or customer care point after tapping the ‘Show List’ button. Besides, one can see 10 nearby merchant points by tapping on ‘Merchants’.

Freelancers in Bangladesh will now be able to receive payments instantly to their bKash account from all over the world through Payoneer.  Payoneer, a US-based commerce technology company powering payments and growth for the new global economy; Brac Bank, a leading private commercial bank of Bangladesh; and bKash, Bangladesh's largest mobile financial services provider jointly launched the service through a virtual event on Thursday.  Zunaid Ahmed Palak , state minister for information and communication technology (ICT), inaugurated the service as the chief guest.  Read: Magnito Digital partners with bKash Russel T. Ahmed, President of BASIS; Rohit Kulkarni, Regional Senior Vice President of Payoneer and Robert Clarkson, Chief Revenue Officer of Payoneer; Selim R. F. Hussain, Managing Director & CEO of Brac Bank and Kamal Quadir, Chief Executive Officer of bKash along with senior officials of respective organizations also joined the event.  “I would like to thank bKash, Payoneer and BRAC Bank for making the process faster and secured for the freelancers," Palak said, adding that skilled human resources are their greatest strength.  He said aound 6,50,000 freelancers of the country have been contributing 16 percent to the world’s online outsourcing.  According to a study by Oxford Internet Institute, Bangladesh is the second largest destination for online outsourcing, Palak said. During last 13 years, 2 million young technology based employment have been created with various initiatives and policies of the government, and we are working for further expansion, he added.   “Bangladesh is a key growth market for Payoneer globally,” said Robert Clarkson, Chief Revenue Officer of Payoneer.  Clarkson said they have always believed in the incredible potential of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and this partnership with bKash highlights their commitment to invest in and provide the best solutions for our local customers.  "Our mission is to be a partner of growth for digital businesses of all sizes, from all corners of the world. We are thrilled to team up with local leaders like bKash and BRAC Bank to empower Bangladeshi freelancers to expand their economic opportunities.”  Selim R. F. Hussain, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, said they are delighted to be a partner of bKash and Payoneer in bringing earnings of the freelancers directly and instantly to bKash account.  "This service will give comfort and convenience to the freelancing professionals and enhance remittance inflow to the country in legal channel. Together we can play an enabling role in making Bangladesh a global freelancing hub and boost foreign exchange earnings.”  Kamal Quadir, CEO of bKash, said rding on the expanding digital infrastructure of Bangladesh, there is ample opportunity to take the country's freelancing sector to a stronger position in the global market.  "The easy method of getting payments in their bKash accounts through a regulated process will remove one of the key pain points of freelancers, which is to conveniently receive payment from their clients. This will surely encourage more people to start freelancing as well as help the existing ones dedicate more time and attention to their tasks.” The 24/7 real-time payment service will bring more dynamism to the thriving freelancing sector and accelerate the flow of remittance through legal channels to the country. As per the Oxford Internet Institute’s Online Labor Index, Bangladesh is a global powerhouse when it comes to ICT freelancing services.  Hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi freelancers are currently providing services in this sector worldwide. They are adding hundreds of millions of dollars a year in foreign exchange to the country's economy. Bangladesh is one of the top income generating sources from freelancing in the world. With this new service tailored for local freelancers, bKash customers will be able to easily register a new Payoneer account, or link their existing account from the ‘Remittance’ icon of the bKash app.  Once linked, freelancers can check their Payoneer account balance, and instantly bring their payments to their bKash accounts.  These funds can be used for any purpose including ‘Send Money’ to other bKash accounts, ‘Pay Bill’, ‘Payment’ of shopping, ‘Cash Out’, etc.  Read: bKash to disburse Hindu Religious Welfare Trust allowances Freelancers from every corner of the country no longer need to wait to receive remittance payments, addressing a key challenge to growth for these workers.  BRAC Bank will play a pivotal role in this service as the foreign currency management and international fund settlement bank, bKash said. On the occasion of this launch, customers receiving the highest amount of payment each day will be given a mobile phone starting from February 10-16, 2022.  A customer can receive this prize only once during the campaign.  To be eligible, the amount of money coming from Payoneer to the bKash account should be more than Tk 15,000 in one or more transactions.  The prizes will be handed over to the winners at the end of the campaign.  In addition, bKash is offering 2% instant cashback on every Payoneer transaction from February 10 to March 10, 2022.

US-based money transfer company MoneyGram has expanded its mobile wallet network in Asia through the integration with Bangladesh's mobile financial service provider (MFS) bKash. This is the latest integration as part of MoneyGram's ongoing partnership with Thunes, a B2B company that powers payments for businesses. With this launch, around 56 million bKash wallet users in Bangladesh will now be able to receive funds instantly from around the world through nine local bank accounts, retail partners, and other digital methods. Also read: bKash relaunches digital payroll solution for RMG workers An estimated $22 billion flowed into Bangladesh in the form of remittances in 2020, accounting for almost 7 per cent of the country's total economic output in the year, according to the World Bank. Across many areas of the world, especially in parts of Asia, remittances remain a vital role in consumer lives, while demand for digital options and mobile wallets continues to surge. "The digitisation of our receive network is a core component of our growth strategy, and this latest integration can help improve the financial lives of around 56 million bKash wallet users in a large and growing market," said Alex Holmes, MoneyGram chairman and CEO. "As we recently announced, total transactions received digitally through the MoneyGram platform reached a new all-time high in the third quarter of this year, with 63 per cent year-over-year growth, and this partnership will further support this strong growth." Also read: 10 Minute School courses: bKash offers 20% cashback on payment "We believe that access to fast and affordable global payments is one of the basic human rights and that technology can help us achieve it," said Peter De Caluwe, CEO of Thunes. "We are glad to partner with MoneyGram and bKash to get us one step closer to that vision and enable seamless digital payments to the vibrant Bangladeshi community."

The Bangladesh Bank has topped the Cyber Drill 2021 while bKash secured the second position in an event organised for enhancing the cyber incident handling capacity of the financial institutions. A total of 38 financial institutions attended the Cyber Drill 2021 organised by Bangladesh Government's e-Government Computer Incident Response Team (BGD e-GOV CIRT) recently. In the drill, Bangladesh Bank secured the first position with 55 marks and bKash secured the second position with 52 marks. The toppers of the drill were selected based on the technological, infrastructural, analytical, and precautionary measures taken to handle cyber-attacks. Also, the use of advanced technology and the necessity to organise more training on cyber security were discussed during the day-long event. Mohammad Azmal Huda, chief product and technology officer of bKash, said: "To ensure cyber security, we continuously invest in this sector and emphasise developing technological know-how. This kind of cyber drill helps us evaluate our technological capability and also paves the way to achieving new areas of development." Organised by BGD e-Gov CIRT, Bangladesh Computer Council and the Digital Security Agency coordinated the drill for the second time.

First five customers in every hour can win Tk 500 cashback by availing Add Money service from banks and cards to bKash accounts throughout October.  First five users of every hour from 6am to 10pm, using Add Money service amounting Tk 6,500 and above will be eligible for the cashback during the campaign period. Read: bKash initiates interaction with CID to ensure customer safety Cashback will be sent within 2-3 working days to the respective bKash account of the customer where Add Money has been done. One can win cashback once a day, said a media release on Monday.  From the largest MFS Add Money network of 29 banks, customers can Add Money to their own or loved ones’ bKash account through internet banking and app.  Read: bKash introduces reward points with transaction Users can also enjoy the Add Money service from Visa and Mastercard issued in Bangladesh in the same way. To avail the service, a customer needs to add bKash number as beneficiary via registering to the online banking of the banks.  Read bKash's internship bNext launched After logging in to the bank account, customer has to put few information like bKash number, amount, OTP code and bKash PIN to complete the transaction. After successful transaction, customer will get SMS notification. Customers can also avail Add Money service from Visa and Mastercard to bKash account by following few steps in bKash app’s card to bKash option. A user can avail the service from several cards as well. Read bKash cuts ‘Cash Out’ charge

bKash has launched its new and flagship internship programme "bNext" for undergraduates. Through this programme, they will get the opportunity to make an impact by contributing to meaningful and impactful projects. Upon successful completion of the internship, the interns will have a higher chance to land a job at bKash. Read: bKash cuts 'Cash Out' charge The programme is designed to scout out the most talented candidates and develop their talent further through a comprehensive learning journey. Interested candidates will have to apply for this internship programme by October 3. The candidates will go through a rigorous selection process comprising of a primary aptitude test, FGD, case cracking and interview. Read Russia to provide internships to Bangladeshi doctors The interns will go through a comprehensive development programme – starting from a comprehensive induction programme to customised learning modules, mentorship, and monthly catch-up by HRBP and project managers. bKash offers internship opportunities in three semesters – spring, fall, and summer. Both local and foreign students can apply for the internship programme.  Besides the internship programme, which is mostly project-based, bKash also arranges knowledge sharing sessions for students on relevant topics in different universities to help them develop and focus on their careers. Read Paid vs Unpaid Internship: Pros and Cons

bKash, a mobile financial service provider in the country, has reduced the "Cash Out" charge to make customer transactions more affordable.  They can now cash out up to Tk 25,000 per month from a favourite agent (Priyo Agent) at a reduced charge of Tk 14.90 per thousand.  This includes all costs, including VAT, and customers need not pay any extra charge, said a release on Friday. READ: Ekushey Book Fair: 3 publishing houses awarded for using bKash Any of bKash’s 55 million customers can now enjoy the reduced cash out charge.  Recent analysis on bKash transactions shows that 95% customers 'cash out' within 25,000 Taka per month.  Keeping that in mind, bKash has come up with this reduced charge to ensure a more affordable service marking its 10th anniversary. To avail this service, a customer has to add a favourite bKash agent number. If needed, that can be changed at the end of each  calendar month. To add a favorite agent number, a customer needs to follow a few simple steps after tapping on the ‘cash out’ icon from the home screen of bKash app.  READ: bKash organizes workshop on prevention of MFS abuse in Chattogram Customers can also add a ‘Priyo Agent’ through dialing USSD code *247# and selecting 'Priyo Number' from 'My bKash' menu.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has distributed financial aid among 15,000 people in Cox’s Bazar. UNHCR sent Tk 2500 each through bKash to the pandemic-hit most vulnerable individuals and people living in extreme poverty in Cox’s Bazar, said a media release on Thursday. Especially, people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic, people with disability, the elderly, widows, hawkers, transgender, hotel staff received the financial aid. READ: UNHCR issues non-return advisory for Afghanistan Bangladesh Red Crescent Society carried out the project as local implementation partner of UNHCR. Md. Kamrul Hasan, Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram formally inaugurated the financial aid disbursement through bKash at Cox’s Bazar DC Office recently. Among others, Md Mamunur Rashid, Deputy Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar, Ita Schuette, Head of Office for UNHCR in Cox’s Bazar, Imam Zafar Sikder, Disaster Response Director of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and Mehmud Ashique Iqbal, Vice President and Md. Somel Reza Khan, Deputy General Manager from Commercial division of bKash, were present. READ: UNHCR ready to support rescue work after Rohingya boat capsize