Staff Correspondent: In a strategic push toward building a cashless Bangladesh, state-owned Rupali Bank PLC recently spearheaded a high-profile promotional campaign for Bangla QR transactions in the country’s premier coastal tourist hub, Kuakata.

The initiative followed the bank`s divisional business review meeting held on Friday, September 18, at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in Barishal. Organized under the auspices of Rupali Bank’s Alipur branch, the evening campaign brought together top-tier management and regional officials to champion modern, digital payment solutions.

Led by Rupali Bank PLC Managing Director Kazi Md. Wahidul Islam, executives and staff kicked off the drive with a vibrant roadshow along Kuakata`s bustling sea beach. The outreach extended to Kuakata Zero Point and the historic Rakhine Market, where teams engaged directly with local merchants, distributing informational leaflets detailing the operational benefits and security of Bangla QR codes. As a tangible milestone of the campaign, active Bangla QR payment gateways were officially installed at prominent hospitality venues, including Hotel President Park and Hotel Royal Heritage.

Designed to curb reliance on physical currency, the campaign specifically targets hotels, restaurants, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) across the region. By facilitating fast, seamless, and secure transactions, the bank aims to modernise the local commercial ecosystem for both merchants and visiting tourists.

The event saw a strong turnout of senior leadership, including Head Office General Manager Md. Moin Uddin Masud, Assistant General Manager Md. Golam Mostofa, Barishal Divisional Head and General Manager Abdullah Al Mahmud, Patuakhali Zonal Manager Md. Monjur Hossain, Barishal Zonal Manager Bipul Krishna Sannamat, and Pirojpur Zonal Manager F. M. Enamul Haque, alongside dedicated personnel from regional Patuakhali branches.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the drive, bank officials remarked that establishing a robust digital payment infrastructure in a major tourist destination like Kuakata would significantly streamline commerce, ensuring enhanced safety and convenience for travelers and business owners alike.