Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (November 01, 2023) launched local currency card Taka Pay to reduce dependency on international card schemes like Visa and Mastercard and save much-needed US dollars.
Bangladesh Bank introduced the card, first of its kind in the country. Reports UNB
PM Hasina inaugurated the card from her official residence Ganabhaban. She was connected virtually with the headquarters of state-owned Sonali Bank, private City Bank and Brac Bank.
The three banks have been given responsibility to issue the Taka Pay card in collaboration with the central bank.
'Taka Pay' will provide the same service nationally through the use of 'The National Payment Switch of Bangladesh', an electronic payment platform operated by the BB.
Initially, the card can be used within the country. Later the central bank will introduce Taka-Rupee card which can be used for shopping in neighbouring India.
