In 2021, after the pandemic disrupted lives and livelihoods, 65-year-old Milan Kanti Sen relocated from Chittagong to Dhaka. Adjusting to a new city came with its challenges, but one thing quickly became clear: bKash would be an invaluable part of his daily life.

"bKash is more than just a financial service; it's part of our family now," Milan shares. "From sending money to friends and relatives to transferring funds from a bank account or recharging mobile balances, bKash has made life so much easier. My entire family uses it regularly, and its user-friendly features, like mobile recharge and paying monthly bills, have simplified everything."

Sen's experience mirrors the transformative impact bKash has had on millions across Bangladesh. As the country's largest mobile financial service (MFS) provider, bKash has redefined financial access, inclusion, and empowerment. Its seamless integration into the lives of both urban professionals and rural households underscores its role as more than just a tool – it's a part of lifestyle.

Bridging gaps with cashless transactions

bKash's success lies in its ability to make financial services accessible to all, regardless of location or socioeconomic background.

Shamsuddin Haider Dalim, Head of Corporate Communications and PR at bKash, highlights the significance of this transformation. "In developing countries like Bangladesh, many people are unbanked or underbanked, with little to no access to traditional banking. bKash's innovative solutions have brought nearly 80 million verified users into the formal financial system. Even with the simplest mobile phone, users can conduct secure and transparent transactions."

Dalim also emphasises the broader economic impact of cashless systems. "Cash handling is expensive – printing, storage, transportation, and security add significant costs. Digital transactions reduce these expenses while promoting productivity and innovation. Platforms like bKash also diminish the urban-rural divide, allowing businesses and individuals in remote areas to access financial tools that were previously out of reach."

This drive toward a cashless economy also supports environmental sustainability. By reducing reliance on physical cash and paperwork, bKash actively contributes to a greener financial ecosystem.

Empowering professionals and entrepreneurs

For young professionals, bKash offers unmatched convenience. Nafia Hossain, a Junior Software Engineer at W3 Engineers Ltd., explains how bKash simplifies her busy life.

"Being a professional, I don't always have the time to visit banks or ATM booths. But with bKash, I can make payments instantly while shopping or transferring funds. I even have a DPS account through bKash, which helps me save effortlessly. Its send money feature is incredibly helpful – it allows me to transfer money to even the remotest parts of the country with just a few clicks."

The accessibility of bKash's services has also been instrumental in supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. With a network of nearly 400,000 agents, often referred to as "human ATMs," and about a million merchants, bKash empowers local vendors to accept digital payments, reducing dependency on cash. This agent and merchant network strengthens communities by creating jobs and stimulating local economies.

Moreover, bKash's role in digitalising transactions has spurred the growth of e-commerce and f-commerce in Bangladesh. Entrepreneurs now have the tools to accept payments from a wider customer base, promoting innovation and expanding market opportunities.

Simplifying financial inclusion through collaboration

One of bKash's most significant achievements is its ability to accelerate financial inclusion through partnerships with banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs).

"Collaboration is at the heart of what we do," says Dalim. "By partnering with banks, government departments, telecom operators, NGOs, and other organisations, bKash has created a comprehensive digital transaction ecosystem. These partnerships reduce transaction costs, increase convenience, and ensure access to credit, savings, and other financial products."

Proof of this success is the rapid adoption of savings tools through the bKash app. In just three years, over 3.3 million DPS accounts have been opened, enabling customers to save with four commercial banks and one NBFI.

"This demonstrates how innovative platforms can encourage people to embrace financial planning," Dalim notes. "It's about more than convenience – it's about empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures."

A part of everyday life

From rickshaw pullers to street vendors, small shop owners, and urban professionals, nearly everyone has a bKash account. It's not uncommon to visit a bustling market and find at least one shop offering bKash services. This widespread adoption has made it possible for people to send and receive payments effortlessly, fostering trust and reliability in financial transactions.

Moreover, bKash has enabled countless women to manage their finances independently, supporting small businesses and enhancing household decision-making. Even in remote villages, bKash has made it easier for people to manage their finances and stay connected to the formal economy.

This integration into daily life highlights bKash's success in creating a platform that works for everyone, regardless of location or financial literacy.

It is clear that bKash's innovative approach to financial inclusion, driven by collaboration and sustainability, has transformed how millions of Bangladeshis interact with money – as Hossain aptly puts it, "bKash has completely changed how we handle cash transactions. Whether it's sending money or saving for the future with a DPS account, bKash has made everything faster – it's a game changer for people like me."