Finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal has exhorted both public and private banks to use digital financial inclusion to take services to customers’ doorsteps through an easy and safer mode. “I’m hopeful that like Agrani Bank, other banks will also come forward to offer digital financial services.” Mr Kamal was speaking as the chief guest at the virtual launch of digital transaction between Agrani Bank and bKash, a mobile financial service, on Thursday. Under the initiative, an account holder of Agrani Bank will be able to send money to his or her bKash account and vice versa. The service will make banking transaction easier, safer and time and cost saving for 10-million customers of the public-sector bank. “I want to see a common platform both the public and private sector banks in digital financial services,” said the minister. He strongly suggested that banks ensure good governance in their operations. Welcoming the move, financial institutions division senior secretary Ashadul Islam recognised the need for ensuring security in digital transactions. He said banks have to take proper measures to keep customers’ money secured so they do not lose confidence in that banks that are digitising their services. Agrani Bank chairman Zaid Bakht said the bank will play a pivotal role in offering digital services to the rural people. The initiative will improve the standards of customer service of the bank, he uttered. Agrani Bank managing director Mohammad Shams-Ul Islam said the new service will help the bank reach customers instated of their coming to its branches. Customers will be able to make transactions at any time to meet their needs, he mentioned. Kamal Quadir, chief executive officer of bKash, said banks will be able to offer efficient services to customers through using the company’s digital transaction technology. Bangladesh Bank deputy governor Ahmed Jamal, among others, also spoke in the virtual event.
