Digital Banking Can Be Bridge for Financial Inclusion: DCCI President

Taskeen Ahmed stresses infrastructure, literacy, and cybersecurity to unlock potential

Sep 25, 2025 2 min read

Digital banking holds the promise of accelerating Bangladesh’s economic growth while serving as a powerful driver of equity and prosperity, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed said on Wednesday.

“Digital banking can be the bridge to financial inclusion for all,” he remarked at a focus group discussion titled “Digital Banking for All: A Bridge to Financial Inclusion” held at the DCCI auditorium in Motijheel.

ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury attended as chief guest, with Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Dr Md Ezazul Islam and Robi Axiata PLC’s Head of Commercial Partnerships also present as special guests.

Progress in financial services

Highlighting the journey since the launch of mobile financial services (MFS) in 2011, Ahmed said nearly 54 percent of Bangladeshis now use MFS. Complementary systems like agent banking, BEFTN, NPSB, and BD-RTGS have made financial transactions faster, safer, and more convenient.

He added that women-led accounts rose from 33 million in 2011 to 55 million in 2024, while school banking accounts reached 4.4 million, helping to raise financial awareness among younger generations.

Gaps in access

Despite this progress, Ahmed cautioned that several barriers prevent the full realisation of financial inclusion. Only 30 percent of the population currently use financial cards. Other hurdles include low financial literacy, weak technological adaptability, high transaction costs, limited services, cyber risks, and insufficient consumer protection.

The most financially excluded groups remain rural women, the ultra-poor, and coastal communities, he noted.

Call to action

To bridge these divides, Ahmed urged policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise three areas: building stronger digital infrastructure, enhancing financial and digital literacy, and strengthening consumer protection with robust cybersecurity measures.

“Financial inclusion is not just about access; it is about usage, trust, and opportunities,” he stressed. “If we can effectively address these challenges, digital banking will open the door to a prosperous future for every citizen of Bangladesh.”