Scoping study to support the Bangladesh Bank to scale digital transactions in Bangladesh

• by Md Farista Andalib, Anik Muntasir Chowdhury, Samveet Sahoo and Akhand Tiwari
• Aug 19, 2025
• 1 min
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The study finds that while Bangladesh has a strong DFS infrastructure, most transactions remain cash-based. Adoption differs by occupation, with traders and salaried workers leading. Barriers include high fees, low digital literacy, trust issues, and limited merchant acceptance.

The study, conducted in Singair Upazila as a microcosm, examines Bangladesh’s transition toward a cashless economy. It highlights widespread infrastructure for DFS but low-value digital transactions. Findings show adoption varies by occupation, with salaried personnel and traders leading, while farmers and daily laborers lag. Key barriers include high transaction costs, low digital literacy, trust concerns, limited merchant acceptance, and infrastructure gaps, even though DFS is valued for its convenience and efficiency