Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has said, “To facilitate import and export activities, RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) will very soon be introduced at all seaports and airports across the country to enable round-the-clock transactions. An initiative has been taken to make Cox’s Bazar the first cashless district in the country. To implement a cashless Bangladesh, smartphones priced within BDT 6,000–7,000 must be made accessible to every citizen. Initiatives must also be taken to expand agent banking activities by appointing women agents in marginal areas.”

He made these remarks on Saturday afternoon at a discussion meeting titled ‘Economic Prospects of the Chattogram Region and the Role of the Central Bank at the Regional Level’, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in the city. Participants included representatives from various business associations of the Chattogram division, chambers of commerce, port and customs officials, teachers, economists, officials from different levels of the central bank, regional heads of scheduled banks, and professionals from diverse sectors.

Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur further said, “To ensure the geopolitical and economic development of the Chattogram region, its regional and global connectivity must be enhanced, similar to Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong.

The Chattogram region is the lifeline of Bangladesh’s economy. It is a unique region encompassing the sea, hills, and plains. The country’s main seaport, export processing zones, heavy industries, energy infrastructure, and the bulk of international trade depend on this region. However, to fully realize this potential, a strong role of the financial sector is essential. As the central bank, our responsibility is to ensure adequate and low-cost credit flow to productive sectors.”

He added, “Unused funds under Bangladesh Bank’s refinancing schemes should be distributed among suitable clients in this region. As part of financial inclusion, every bank must provide financial literacy training in at least one educational institution. Initiatives should be taken to promote digital and cashless transactions in schools, colleges, and universities.”

The meeting was chaired by Md. Makbul Hossain, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank’s Chattogram Office. Guests of honor included Dr. Mahmud Abdul Matin Bhuiyan, Vice-Chancellor of Chattogram University of Engineering and Technology, and Md. Khosru Parvez, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank Head Office.

The meeting began with a welcome address by Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman, Director of the Administration Department of Bangladesh Bank, Chattogram Office. Mohammad Abdullah Al Amin, Additional Director of Bangladesh Bank, presented a concept paper on the economic prospects of the Chattogram region and the central bank’s role at the regional level.

Representatives from various participating institutions raised questions and offered recommendations on issues and opportunities related to the economy, banking, ports, customs, exports, agriculture, and industry. The governor provided immediate solutions to some issues and assured policy formulation on others in the future. In his concluding remarks, the chair emphasized the importance of incorporating financial literacy into school and college textbooks.