Under the strategic guidance of Bangladesh Bank, a transformative day-long campaign was successfully executed in Jessore to accelerate the “Cashless Bangladesh” initiative. Serving as the designated “Lead Bank” for the district, IFIC Bank PLC coordinated a series of high-impact events aimed at dismantling the traditional reliance on physical currency. The summit, held on Tuesday, 23rd December, at the Jessore Software Technology Park, marked a significant milestone in the region’s journey toward a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem.
The initiative opened with a public awareness procession, designed to engage local merchants and consumers in the heart of the city. This was followed by a technical seminar where the primary objective was to detail the roadmap for a frictionless, digital economy. Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, attended as the chief guest, emphasizing that regional hubs like Jessore are vital cogs in the national machine of financial modernization. The discourse focused on the inherent benefits of a cashless society, such as the mitigation of theft, the transparency of transaction trails, and the streamlining of day-to-day commerce.
A critical component of the day was the interactive segment, which allowed participants to engage directly with the architects of the country’s payment systems. Rafeza Akhter Kanta, Director of the Payment Systems Department at Bangladesh Bank, presided over the session, addressing queries ranging from digital literacy to the security protocols protecting mobile transactions. This dialogue ensured that the transition is viewed not merely as a top-down mandate, but as a community-led shift toward efficiency.
Key Personnel and Strategic Stakeholders
The event’s success was underpinned by the collaboration between central banking authorities, district administration, and commercial leadership.
| Official Name | Role | Institutional Affiliation |
| Arif Hossain Khan | Executive Director | Bangladesh Bank |
| Rafeza Akhter Kanta | Director (Payment Systems) | Bangladesh Bank |
| Md. Roknuzzaman | Executive Director | Bangladesh Bank (Khulna) |
| Syed Mansur Mustafa | Managing Director | IFIC Bank PLC |
| Md. Taumeed Hasan | Asst. Commissioner | Jessore District Administration |
To provide tangible evidence of the ease of digital banking, various financial institutions established interactive booths. These stations offered practical tutorials on Quick Response (QR) code payments, allowing local shopkeepers and residents to experience the speed of digital settlement firsthand. By demystifying the technology, the campaign sought to lower the barrier of entry for the unbanked and underbanked populations.
As the day concluded, Syed Mansur Mustafa, Managing Director of IFIC Bank, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to driving financial inclusion through innovation. The consensus among the attendees was clear: the shift toward a cashless Jessore is no longer a futuristic concept, but a current reality that promises to foster economic resilience and growth across the southwestern corridor of Bangladesh.