Google’s digital payment service, widely known as Google Pay, has been officially launched in Bangladesh under the name Google Wallet.
This marks a major step forward in the country’s journey toward a cashless and digitally inclusive financial system.
The service has been introduced through a strategic partnership between Google, City Bank PLC, Mastercard, and Visa.
From now on, City Bank customers can link their Mastercard or Visa cards to Google Wallet and use Google Pay to make fast, secure, and contactless payments through their Android smartphones.
The official launch ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Westin Hotel in Dhaka. Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, was the chief guest at the event. Tracy Ann Jacobson, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, and Hossain Khaled, Vice Chairman of City Bank, were present as special guests.
Other notable attendees included Masrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank; Shammi Quddus, Group Product Manager at Google Payments; Syed Mohammad Kamal, Country Manager of Mastercard Bangladesh; and Sabbir Ahmed, Country Manager of Visa Bangladesh, along with other senior industry officials.
“Digitizing financial services leads to greater transparency and fosters a cashless society,” said Governor Ahsan H Mansur. “This is a major step toward enhancing financial inclusion in Bangladesh.”
During the event, it was announced that customers can now perform seamless transactions both locally and internationally at any NFC-enabled POS terminal simply by tapping their Android phones. Google Pay uses advanced encryption technology to ensure user data remains secure, effectively turning smartphones into digital wallets—eliminating the need for carrying physical cards.
“With this launch, we join the ranks of nations where truly digital financial transactions are possible. Google Pay will enable Bangladeshis to transact globally, opening new possibilities for financial empowerment and inclusion,” said Masrur Arefin, MD & CEO of City Bank.
He further highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the financial sector, including initiatives to merge five banks to create a more robust banking infrastructure. “Our export earnings and remittances are increasing. This launch supports broader goals to build a resilient financial system,” he added.
The introduction of Google Wallet in Bangladesh comes at a time when digital transformation is accelerating in the region. From air travel and shopping to cinema tickets, all transactions can now be handled through a mobile device—paving the way for a smarter and more convenient lifestyle for millions of Bangladeshis.