bKash deploys largest Bangla QR network nationwide to accelerate cashless payment

Aligning with Bangladesh Bank’s drive to expand digital payments, bKash has replaced Bangla QR at more than 800,000 merchants across the country. 

Through significant investment and expanded operational capacity, bKash completed the largest Bangla QR rollout within the timeline set by the central bank. As a result, customers can now enjoy the freedom of making cashless payments using bKash as well as other digital wallets.

The initiative has also significantly boosted merchant payments, with transactions worth more than Tk200 crore on average every day taking place through a merchant network deployed by bKash. 

From neighbourhood grocery stores to pharmacies, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, lifestyle brands and leading retail chains, customers can now conveniently pay by scanning Bangla QR codes deployed by bKash. 

By building and maintaining the country’s largest Bangla QR merchant network, bKash is playing a pivotal role in strengthening Bangladesh’s digital payment ecosystem while supporting the government’s vision of a cashless economy, said a press release here today (22 July).

To encourage greater customer adoption, bKash has introduced special promotional offers at 45,000 merchant outlets across the country. Under the campaign, customers making payments through bKash app by scanning Bangla QR can enjoy cashback and discount coupons worth up to Tk10,000.

The company has also introduced several innovations to make merchant payments faster and more convenient. bKash is the first in Bangladesh to deploy digital payment speakers, enabling instant payment confirmation and reducing transaction time while making digital payments more secure and seamless for both customers and merchants.

In addition, bKash has launched a pilot programme with BRAC Bank to offer merchants instant short-term digital loans. Based on transaction history and merchant ratings, eligible merchants can access collateral-free financing directly through their merchant accounts.

As digital payments continue to gain momentum across the country, bKash has been driving adoption through year-round cashback offers, discounts and campaigns. 

With growing customer participation and increasing acceptance, digital payment transactions are registering steady growth, further advancing Bangladesh’s transition towards a cashless society.