Dhaka : Visa, the global leader in digital payments, in partnership with SSL Commerce, has successfully launched a groundbreaking pilot initiative titled ‘Cashless Savar’. The program aims to expand card acceptance beyond metropolitan areas and accelerate the adoption of digital payments in the Savar region. The launch event, held at Savar New Market, was graced by the esteemed presence of Md. Sharafat Ullah Khan, director, payment systems department, bangladesh bank the country manager of visa raiyan S. Islam, director, SSL commerce and other senior officials from the participating organizations. The inauguration was followed by visits to several retail shops in the market, where the Director of Bangladesh Bank and his team conducted transactions using Visa cards and interacted with merchants to discuss strategies for increasing digital payment adoption among both businesses and consumers, according to a press release.
This milestone marks a significant step in expanding card acceptance infrastructure in Bangladesh, with plans to gradually extend the initiative to additional areas in the near future.
‘Cashless Savar’ aligns with Bangladesh Bank’s vision for a Cashless Bangladesh and reinforces the regulator’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities with secure and convenient payment solutions. The Director of Bangladesh Bank encouraged the expansion of the program to new locations and emphasized the importance of regular engagement with participating merchants.
Sabbir Ahmed, Country Manager – Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, Visa said, “At Visa, our mission is to uplift everyone, everywhere, by being the best way to pay and be paid. We therefore believe in helping people and communities benefit from the convenience and security of digital payments. With the launch of the Cashless Savar program, we are taking a significant step toward expanding digital inclusion beyond the metropolitan areas, while assisting local merchants and communities in embracing the power of cashless transactions. This collaboration reflects our long-held goal of promoting future economic prosperity by strengthening and connecting local ecosystems throughout Bangladesh.”
Md. Sharafat Ullah Khan, director, PSD, Bangladesh Bank said “‘Cashless Savar’ organized by Visa is a timely and commendable initiative to expand and encourage digital transaction services among the marginalized communities outside Dhaka. The successful expansion of such programs to other districts and upazilas of the country will
pave the way for the formation of ‘Cashless Bangladesh’. Bangladesh Bank has always been providing policy support to reduce cash dependency and build an inclusive, safe and effective transaction system. Through collective efforts, we will be able to establish a modern, technology-based economic structure.
