Internet banking transactions surge 47.5pc in Aug

Internet banking transactions in Bangladesh posted a robust growth of about 47.5 per cent year-on-year in August 2025, reaching Tk 1.12 trillion from Tk 759.39 billion in the same month of 2024, according to the latest data from the Bangladesh Bank (BB).

Although the August figure was slightly lower than Tk 1.13 trillion recorded in July, the growth shows a continued momentum in the country's digital banking landscape. Wider internet access, rise in digital literacy, and a gradual shift of customers towards online financial services have made this positive development possible.

BB data show that internet banking transactions have remained strong throughout 2025, despite some month-to-month variations.

The transaction value stood at Tk 1.05 trillion in January, Tk 966.93 billion in February, and reached a peak of Tk 1.31 trillion in March, the highest so far this year. It then slightly dipped to Tk 994.65 billion in April and Tk 996.18 billion in May, before rebounding to Tk 1.05 trillion in June, Tk 1.13 trillion in July, and Tk 1.12 trillion in August.

Industry experts said the growth reflects a broader adoption of digital channels, but they warned that the sector still faces structural challenges.

AKM Fahim Mashroor, former president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) and CEO of bdjobs.com, said that many banks are lagging due to weak and unfriendly apps.

"Only a few banks have user-friendly and reliable apps," he told The Financial Express. "Many are not promoting internet banking properly as their platforms are poorly designed." He added that these shortcomings have allowed mobile financial services (MFS) to expand rapidly in Bangladesh, while limited smartphone use outside cities continues to restrict internet banking growth.

"The poor quality of banking apps has allowed MFS to thrive," Mr. Mashroor said. "Internet banking is more affordable than MFS, and if banks improve their platforms, customers will naturally shift to digital banking."

Analysts agreed that improving app usability, ensuring cyber-security, and enhancing interoperability between banks will be crucial for sustaining the sector's growth momentum in the country's fast-evolving digital banking ecosystem.