Photo : BSS

BAU, Mymensingh, Nov 6, 2025 (BSS) - A seminar titled "Cashless Bangladesh Initiative" was held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in Mymensingh today.

Under the slogan "Transactions are going cashless, Bangladesh is moving forward," the seminar was held at the Syed Nazrul Islam Conference Hall at noon.

Organized by Bangladesh Bank to promote its Cashless Bangladesh Initiative, the event received overall support from Dutch-Bangla Bank PLC. 

Rafiza Akter Kanta, Director of the Payment Systems Department at Bangladesh Bank, presided over the session, while Professor Dr. G M Mujibur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at BAU, attended as the chief guest.

At the outset, a video message from Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur was screened. 

In his message, the Governor said that although digital transactions are expanding, they have not yet reached the grassroots level. "Many people still withdraw cash after receiving money digitally. Our aim is to ensure that people can make payments, from rickshaw fares to daily shopping, through digital platforms without relying on physical cash," he added.

Later, Jewel Majumder, Joint Director of Bangladesh Bank, presented an overview of the Cashless Bangladesh Initiative. 

He discussed the drawbacks of cash-based transactions, the advantages of digital payments, and the significance of building a secure and efficient digital banking ecosystem in key sectors such as education, health, transport, and utilities. 

He also emphasized safe mobile banking practices, fraud prevention measures, and policy-level strategies to strengthen the digital payment infrastructure.

In his speech, Professor Dr. G M Mujibur Rahman noted that paper currency in Bangladesh is often unhygienic and costly to print.

"We should move towards a cashless campus to ensure cleanliness and cost efficiency. However, banks must reinforce cybersecurity and fraud prevention to build public trust in digital transactions," he said.

In her closing remarks, Rafiza Akter Kanta said, "We are expanding the Bangla QR code system across the country to enable even grassroots-level users to adopt digital transactions. We believe that the customer is at the center of this transformation, and Dutch-Bangla Bank is committed to providing affordable and accessible digital services for all."

The seminar concluded with an open discussion where students interacted with the bank officials and asked questions about the cashless system.

Joydeb Chandra Banik, Director of Bangladesh Bank's Mymensingh Office, and Abedur Rahman Sikder, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Dutch-Bangla Bank, attended the event as special guests, which was participated in by around 200 university students.