PM Hasina Presents ‘Fintech Pioneer Award’ to bKash
At the prestigious Bangladesh Startup Summit-2023, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presented the esteemed “Fintech Pioneer Award” to bKash, the nation’s largest mobile financial services (MFS) provider, for its pioneering role in revolutionizing Bangladesh’s fintech sector.
During the inaugural ceremony of the summit, Kamal Quadir, the founder and CEO of bKash, received the award from the Prime Minister. The event was attended by State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Shamsul Arefin, the secretary of ICT Division, and Sami Ahmed, the managing director of Startup Bangladesh Limited.
bKash embarked on its journey 12 years ago with a mission to contribute to the government’s “Digital Bangladesh” vision. By providing financial inclusion to a vast number of unbanked individuals, bKash has empowered its customers in daily transactions, making a significant impact on their lives.
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The company boasts an impressive reach with 70 million verified customers, 330,000 agents, and 550,000 merchants, effectively becoming a member of every family in the country. Supported by the Bangladesh Bank and guided by the government, bKash stands as a testament to local talent and dedication, as it is entirely built in and for Bangladesh.
bKash’s commitment to financial inclusion has garnered global recognition, setting a unique example for the world. The company has secured $381 million worth of investments from renowned global entities, including Brac Bank, Money in Motion LLC (US-based), International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Ant Group, and SoftBank Vision Fund.
As a key implementation partner for the government’s welfare programs, bKash has played a transparent role in disbursing various allowances, stimulus packages, and stipends to the rightful beneficiaries.
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Looking towards the future, bKash continues to focus on strengthening the digital ecosystem, contributing to the realization of a smart economy in alignment with the government’s vision for a ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041, where the nation aspires to become cashless.
Kamal Quadir expressed his gratitude for the prestigious award and regarded it as a recognition of bKash’s 12-year-long endeavor in making daily transactions convenient and secure through financial inclusion. The acknowledgment from the Prime Minister has inspired the team to further accelerate their transformative journey.
