Bangla QR payments to settle instantly

Bangladesh Bank has directed banks and other payment service providers to ensure instant settlement of Bangla QR code-based payments to merchants from October 1, 2026, in a move aimed at making digital transactions more convenient.

The Payment Systems Department-1 of Bangladesh Bank issued a circular on Thursday outlining the new requirements.

Under the directive, funds from all Bangla QR payments must be credited instantly to the respective merchant’s account from October 1. The central bank also said its November 24, 2025 circular on the matter will cease to apply from the same date.

Banks, mobile financial service (MFS) providers, payment service providers (PSPs) and payment system operators (PSOs) have also been instructed to display the Bangla QR payment icon prominently at a designated location in their mobile apps.

The icon must follow the logo specified in Bangladesh Bank’s January 6, 2021 circular.

The institutions have been given until October 31 to introduce a facility allowing customers to make payments through Bangla QR image uploads, alongside QR scanning.

They must also enable all savings and current account holders, including card account holders, to make payments by scanning Bangla QR codes directly through their mobile apps by the same deadline.

Bangladesh Bank issued the directives under Section 18(2) of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2024.