Bangladesh is preparing to take a major step toward a digital economy as Cox’s Bazar is set to become the country’s first fully cashless district. The announcement was made by Dr Ahsan H Mansur, governor of Bangladesh Bank, as part of a broader plan to modernise the national financial system.
Speaking at a views exchange meeting titled Economic Potential of the Chattogram Region and the Role of the Central Bank at the Regional Level in Chattogram, the governor said the central bank aims to digitise 75 percent of all retail transactions by 2027. He described the initiative as a key pillar of building a more transparent, efficient, and inclusive financial ecosystem.
Cox’s Bazar has been selected as the pilot district due to its vibrant tourism economy, expanding business activities, and high potential for rapid adoption of digital payments. According to Dr Mansur, reducing reliance on cash will improve transaction efficiency and help bring more people into the formal financial system.
To make a “cashless Bangladesh” achievable, the governor stressed the importance of access to affordable technology. He said every citizen should be able to use smartphones priced between Tk6,000 and Tk7,000 to participate in digital financial services.
Dr Mansur also emphasised the expansion of agent banking across the country, with a special focus on appointing more women agents in remote and marginal areas. He noted that women led agent banking can play a crucial role in strengthening financial inclusion at the grassroots level.
In another significant move, the Bangladesh Bank governor announced that the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system will soon be implemented at all seaports and airports nationwide. This will enable 24 7 electronic fund transfers and make import and export transactions faster and more efficient.
The governor further called for increased financing for small and medium enterprises and the agricultural sector at district and local levels. He urged banks to ensure that unused Bangladesh Bank refinancing funds are channelled to suitable clients, particularly in the Chattogram region.
To build long term digital awareness, Dr Mansur encouraged banks to conduct financial literacy programmes in at least one educational institution each and promote cashless transactions across schools, colleges, and universities.
The meeting was chaired by Md Mokbul Hossain, executive director of Bangladesh Bank’s Chattogram office. Guests of honour included Dr Mahmud Abdul Matin Bhuiyan, vice chancellor of Chattogram University of Engineering and Technology, and Md Khosru Parvez.
The programme opened with a welcome address by Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman, followed by a concept paper presentation from Mohammad Abdullah Al Amin.
The cashless Cox’s Bazar initiative is expected to serve as a national model for digital payments, financial inclusion, and future smart economy planning in Bangladesh.
