Tk 22 crore transacted in two days using Bangla QR

The Bangladesh Bank has made the use of 'Bangla QR' (Quick Response) codes mandatory to make digital transactions easier, more affordable and universal. The initiative has already received an overwhelming response — transactions through Bangla QR codes amounted to Tk 22 crore in just two days, June 30 and July 1.

According to Bangladesh Bank data, 77,165 transactions were made using Bangla QR codes for purchasing goods and services during these two days, with the total transaction amount reaching Tk 22 crore and 2 lakh.

Bangla QR was first launched as a pilot project in Motijheel, capital, on January 18, 2023. By 2025, 46 banks, 7 MFS providers and 4 payment service providers had joined the service. By then, 9.63 lakh merchants had started using Bangla QR.

From November 1, 2025, real-time interbank transactions were introduced among all banks, PSPs, PSOs and MFS providers. Finally, from Wednesday, July 1, Bangla QR was made mandatory for the first time.

Data from Bangladesh Bank and various banks show that there are approximately 9 lakh QR codes for bKash across the country, along with 4.5 lakh for Nagad, 2.7 lakh for Dutch-Bangla Bank (including Rocket), 1.9 lakh for Pubali Bank, 80,000 for Islami Bank, 54,000 for Sonali Bank, 50,000 for Mutual Trust Bank and 38,000 for City Bank. These QR codes have already been converted to Bangla QR.

Countries such as China, Estonia and India have already moved their transaction systems to digital platforms through similar initiatives. In this cashless system, transactions have become easier and more transparent. Bangladesh is also planning to make Bangla QR mandatory for all government service financial transactions. The central bank is also working on plans to enable Bangla QR transactions without an internet connection.