Chattogram city Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain. File Photo

CHATTOGRAM, Sept 10, 2025 (BSS) - Chattogram city Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has called for urgent identification and legal action against Hundi traders to strengthen the country's remittance inflow through formal channels.

Speaking at a discussion titled "The Role of Media in Increasing Remittances", organized by fintech company and money transfer app 'NALA' at Copper Chimney in Lalkhan Bazar on Wednesday afternoon, the mayor stressed that remittances sent through illegal means contribute to inflation and undermine the country's foreign currency reserves.

He urged the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to simplify the legal remittance process and emphasized the media's role in encouraging expatriates to use official channels.

"Only by curbing hundi can we stabilize our reserves and reduce economic pressure," Dr. Shahadat said.

Prof. Hossain Shahid Sarwardy of the Faculty of Business Administration, University of Chittagong, echoed the mayor's concerns. 

He said illegal money transfers via hundi severely affect the national economy by bypassing the central banking system.

Mahmudul Hasan, Head of Growth at NALA Bangladesh, delivered the welcome speech, while senior journalist Arich Ahmed Shah also addressed the event.