In a groundbreaking move that underscores Bangladesh’s progress toward a digitally inclusive economy, Google Pay—officially known as Google Wallet—was launched for the first time in the country today. The service, enabled through a strategic collaboration between Google, City Bank, Mastercard, and Visa, marks a pivotal step in modernizing the nation’s financial landscape.
The official launch ceremony took place at the Westin Dhaka, Gulshan, and was attended by top dignitaries and industry leaders. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur presided over the event as the chief guest, alongside US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson, City Bank Vice Chairman Hossain Khaled, CEO Mashrur Arefin, and key executives from Google, Mastercard, and Visa.
City Bank now becomes the first financial institution in Bangladesh to introduce Google Wallet, allowing its customers to link Mastercard and Visa credit or debit cards to their Android devices for seamless and secure payments via Google Pay. The digital wallet supports contactless transactions through NFC (Near Field Communication)-enabled POS terminals, both domestically and abroad.
With Google Pay, users can now make payments simply by tapping their smartphones, eliminating the need for physical cards. The system is backed by advanced encryption technologies, ensuring high levels of data protection and transaction security.
"Today’s launch reflects our firm commitment to building a future-ready, digital-first financial ecosystem in Bangladesh," said Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank. "We are proud to be the enabler of this milestone."
Governor Mansur hailed the initiative as a transformative move for Bangladesh’s financial sector. “We welcome technology that helps expand financial inclusion. With innovations like Google Pay, we are not just connecting more citizens to banking services—we’re also aligning with global best practices,” he noted.
He further emphasized the value of foreign expertise in national development, stating, “Letting international players manage infrastructure like Chattogram Port for a time could enhance our own capabilities. It’s a path to skill acquisition, not dependency.”
The launch also sends a strong signal to the global investor community. “Bangladesh is increasingly a reliable destination for investment,” said the central bank chief. “Concerns about foreign companies taking resources out of the country are largely misplaced.”
City Bank’s partnership with Google and global payment giants reflects a broader movement toward digital financial inclusion and innovation. The move sets the stage for further integration of fintech solutions in the country, aiming to make digital transactions accessible, secure, and user-friendly.
As smartphones transform into digital wallets, Bangladesh joins the ranks of countries leveraging cutting-edge fintech to empower consumers and build a resilient, forward-looking economy. With the launch of Google Pay, a new chapter begins in the nation’s digital transformation journey.
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