bKash, Mastercard partner to make remittance access faster, easier

The country’s leading mobile financial services (MFS) provider, bKash, recently signed a partnership agreement with Mastercard in Dhaka to make remittance transactions faster, easier and safer for people receiving money from abroad.

Through this partnership, bKash will leverage Mastercard Move to enable inward remittances directly into mobile wallets. It will also provide cash access through its network of more than 350,000 agents nationwide, serving millions of customers across Bangladesh.

At the event, Ali Ahmmed, chief commercial officer of bKash, said, “Through a secure, near real-time and seamless remittance experience, bKash has earned the trust of expatriates and their families in Bangladesh.”

“This continued focus has established bKash as the preferred platform for millions of Bangladeshi expatriates, contributing to strong and consistent inward remittance flows in recent years.”

“bKash remains committed to serving as a reliable bridge for remittance earners and their families while also supporting the country’s forex inflows and broader economic stability,” he added.

Zakia Sultana, country manager for Bangladesh at Mastercard, said, “This collaboration with bKash enables people to receive funds with greater ease, whether directly into their mobile wallets or through cash pick-up points. Together, we are helping expand access to cross-border payments and advance financial inclusion.”

Under this collaboration, money sent through banks and authorised money transfer operators connected to Mastercard can be received directly in bKash mobile wallets.

Recipients can withdraw cash from nearby bKash agents or use the funds to make various payments, including utility bills, education fees and government fees. They can also send money, top up mobile credit and open a bKash savings account, all from the comfort of their homes.

The initiative aims to make international money transfers simpler and more accessible while supporting the country’s growing shift towards digital financial services.