Bangladesh joins \\\'Better Than Cash Alliance\\\'

In a landmark move to introduce digital payment system, Bangladesh has joined "Better Than Cash Alliance" to transform all financial services into electronic payment to make it more convenient and transparent to all citizens.
"As part of its massive digitization campaign across the country, the government plans to digitize all forms of financial payment from cash aiming to introduce modern financial services to reduce costs, time and hassles of the people," an official of Access to Information(a2i) Programme told BSS Wednesday.
Around the world, creating an economy where digital payments are widely available is gaining recognition from many governments as a means to reduce costs, increase transparency and in turn, advance financial inclusion and inclusive economic growth, he added.
"Joining the Better Than Cash Alliance and committing to a holistic transition from cash to digital payments is part of our recognition of the transformative role of information and communication technologies in creating inclusive growth in Bangladesh," said Abul Kalam Azad, Principal Secretary of Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
"Our effort will focus specifically on achieving greater financial inclusion through our more than 5,000 Digital Centres that were established in all rural and urban local government institutions around the country," he added.
Based at the United Nations, the Better Than Cash Alliance is a partnership of governments, companies, and international organisations that accelerates the transition from cash to digital payments in order to drive inclusive growth and help people lift themselves out of poverty, a press of a2i programme said.
Bangladesh has shown great vision in setting out their Digital Bangladesh Vision 2021 agenda, and has already achieved impressive progress with the provision of salaries to government employees all over the country viadigital means" said Dr Ruth Goodwin-Groen, Managing Director of the Better Than Cash Alliance.
"By joining the Alliance, Bangladesh will have access to the experience of other member countries, as well as be able to share their lessons on the expansion of digital payments. We look forward to working with the leaders of Bangladesh to advance digital payments nationwide."