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VIEWS ON CASHLESS BANGLADESH: EMPOWERING PEOPLE THROUGH DIGITAL FINANCE

By Admin October 1, 2025 FICCI Monthly Bulletin August 2025

Cashless Bangladesh: Empowering People through Digital Finance

Bangladesh is on a remarkable journey toward becoming a cashless economy, reshaping the way people and businesses engage in financial transactions. With increasing access to digital tools, the shift promises not only convenience and security but also greater financial inclusion.
Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) has positioned itself at the forefront of this transformation. Through a series of pioneering initiatives, the bank is driving innovation in digital finance and empowering individuals and businesses to thrive in Bangladesh's growing digital economy.

Pioneering Innovations in Digital Payments

As part of its commitment to a cashless future, EBL introduced WEAREBL Bangladesh's first-ever wearable payment devices, making contactless transactions effortless in daily life. On a global scale, EBL also broke new ground with the launch of the Biometric Metal Card-an industry-first innovation that combines luxury with cutting-edge fingerprint authentication technology.

 

Next-Generation Digital Banking

The upgraded EBL Skybanking app reflects the bank's focus on accessibility and ease of use. With an intuitive design, the platform provides round-the-clock access to a full suite of financial services, enabling customers to enjoy a seamless digital banking experience any
time, anywhere.
In another bold step, EBL launched Virtual Cards supporting the widest range of global payment networks-Visa, Mastercard, UPI, and DCI. This secure and flexible payment option is available for both online and offline transactions, and EBL is the first bank in Bangladesh to extend this service to unregistered customers.

 

Sustainability and Inclusivity in Finance

EBL has rolled out a broad portfolio of Contactless Cards-including debit, credit, and prepaid options equipped with NFC technology-to facilitate fast, secure payments nationwide. At the same time, the bank is leading the way in sustainable finance through the Green Ac- count, featuring Bangladesh's first 100% recycled debit card.

 

Building a Cashless Ecosystem

EBL has ensured interoperability with mobile financial services (MFS), making transactions across platforms easier and more convenient. Integration with M-commerce and E-commerce platforms further strengthens the ecosystem, empowering consumers and businesses alike. Meanwhile, the widespread adoption of QR-based payments has enabled instant, safe, and reliable transactions across thousands of merchants.

 

A Secure and Inclusive Future

Alongside these innovations, EBL is investing in cybersecurity measures, digital literacy programs, and platform interoperability, ensuring that customers can engage with confidence in the digital economy. By combining innovation with inclusion, Eastern Bank PLC is not only shaping the future of banking but also helping to realize the national vision of a Cashless Bangladesh-one where financial services are more accessible, sustainable, and empowering for all.