Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur revealed that the government spends around 200 billion taka each year on printing, storing, transporting, and distributing currency notes across the country.
To reduce this significant cost, he emphasized the need to decrease cash usage and promote cashless transactions.
Speaking at a dialogue titled “365 Days of the Interim Government” on Sunday morning in Dhaka, Governor Mansur highlighted ongoing efforts by Bangladesh Bank to encourage QR code-based payments through policy support and building technological infrastructure.
He urged all licensed institutions to adopt QR code payments, which would make transactions faster, safer, and more transparent for both businesses and consumers. Reducing cash use would also significantly lower government expenses.
Governor Mansur stressed the importance of smartphones in expanding digital financial inclusion, noting that smartphones are essential for online financial services and bill payments. Efforts are underway to make quality smartphones available at affordable prices between 6,000 and 7,000 taka, aiming to bring full smartphone access to the population.
He added that lowering internet costs and improving service quality are also crucial to achieving this goal.
Regarding urbanization and housing challenges, Mansur said Bangladesh still needs several million new housing units. Urban development is necessary as people continue moving from rural to urban areas. He noted plans to promote affordable housing and potential partnerships between banks and developers to utilize bank-owned land.
The dialogue was organized by the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD). CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun said the interim government’s banking reforms helped stabilize the export sector and protect the economy from major shocks. However, she expressed concern over low foreign investment, insufficient job creation, and stagnant revenue growth.
Also present were Interim Government Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince.
