Bangla QR mandatory for digital payments at all merchant points

Bangladesh Bank has made the use of a single “Bangla QR” code mandatory at all merchant points to make the digital payment system more integrated and secure.

In a directive issued today (1 April), Cenbank ordered all scheduled banks, mobile financial service (MFS) providers, payment service providers (PSPs), and payment system operators (PSOs) to remove all their existing proprietary QR codes at merchant points and replaced with the  QR system by 30 June 2026.

Merchant points include all locations where payments are accepted, such as shops, restaurants, online stores, and service centres.

The circular says “Bangla QR” is being launched to make digital payments safe, smooth, and accessible for everyone. It also asks that all the technical setup and coordination be done so that transactions on the platform work seamlessly.

Merchants must display the Bangla QR code clearly so customers can easily scan it to make payments. The QR code is meant only for receiving payments. If a merchant tries to use it for other purposes, such as withdrawing cash, their QR code will be cancelled.

In addition, institutions have been directed to take initiatives to raise awareness among customers and merchants about using “Bangla QR.”

Bangladesh Bank noted that the directive has been issued under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2024. Any violations of this directive will be subject to legal action against the concerned institutions.

Shahadat Khan, founder and CEO of Talikhata and Talipay, said that a single QR code could be highly effective in implementing a cashless Bangladesh. Mandatory display of “Bangla QR” at all merchant points will allow the general public to use a uniform QR code everywhere, increasing trust and interest in digital payments.

If successfully implemented, a large number of QR codes could be deployed nationwide in a short time, rapidly expanding QR-based transactions and playing a crucial role in moving the economy toward cashless operations.

A senior official of an MFS company noted that while “Bangla QR” has been made mandatory for all, its smooth implementation cannot yet be guaranteed. Some institutions have highly updated payment IT systems, while others have technical weaknesses.

He added that although Bangladesh Bank has issued the circular, a fixed implementation timeline has not yet been set, and it is unclear how effectively all institutions will comply within the given period.

Shamsuddin Haider Dalim, head of Corporate Communication and Public Relations at bKash, told The Business Standard that Bangladesh Bank has made “Bangla QR” mandatory for all merchant payments and that bKash will fully comply. He added that bKash has been providing comprehensive support since the initial piloting stage of the “Bangla QR” system.