Bangla QR mandatory for digital payments at all merchant points: BB

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.
















