Pubali Bank PLC, in partnership with Bangladesh Bank, recently hosted a seminar on the “Cashless Bangladesh Initiative” at the Rangpur Shilpakala Auditorium, as part of the central bank’s nationwide push towards digital financial inclusion.
The seminar was inaugurated by Arief Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank (BB), who attended as the chief guest. In his address, Khan emphasised that the initiative aims to ensure transparency, efficiency, and security in financial transactions, fostering a more robust national economy.
He added that the expansion of digital payment systems would bring rural and marginalised communities under the umbrella of financial inclusion, creating opportunities for more equitable economic growth.
The event was presided over by Rafeza Akhtar Kanta, Director of the Payment Systems Division at Bangladesh Bank, with Pubali Bank PLC serving as the lead bank for the seminar.
Special guests included Md Ali Mahmud, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank’s Rangpur Office; Christopher Himel Richil, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Rangpur; and Emdadul Hossain, President of the Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Speaking at the seminar, Mohammad Ali, Managing Director and CEO of Pubali Bank, said:
“The country’s economy will become more transparent, dynamic, and secure as digital transactions expand. Pubali Bank is developing a digital platform to provide easy, fast, and modern banking services to our customers.”
He further added, “A cashless Bangladesh will reduce corruption, increase revenue, and strengthen the rural economy. Pubali Bank is proud to play a role in this transformation.”
Also present were Md Shahnewaz Khan, Deputy Managing Director; Md Faizul Hoque Sharif, General Manager of the General Banking and Operations Division; Md Rabiul Alam, Deputy General Manager and Head of the ADC Division; and Mohammad Altab Hossain, Regional Head and Deputy General Manager of Rangpur Region.
Officials from Bangladesh Bank, branch managers from government and private commercial banks in Rangpur, representatives from regional mobile financial services (RMFS), and members of local traders’ and merchants’ associations attended the seminar, reflecting the broad support for the drive towards a cashless economy.