Bangladesh unifies QR payments to formalize cash-based economy

TechnologyNationwide rollout of Bangla QR expected to boost tax revenue and financial inclusionWith Bangla QR, customers of any participating bank or mobile financial service can pay any merchant by scanning one QR code, consolidating an array of incompatible payment systems that had limited moves toward a cashless economy. (Screenshot from Bangladesh Bank's Facebook page)FAISAL MAHMUDJuly 15, 2026 12:53 JSTDHAKA -- Bangladesh has rolled out a nationwide interoperable QR payment system in an ambitious push to reduce the country's dependence on cash, formalize a vast informal economy and accelerate financial inclusion.