#Title Festive economy transforming from cash to QR BANK ASIA PLC The future banking landscape will likely become more customer-centric, real-time and digitally interconnected. Eid-related spending patterns are increasingly becoming part of a broader digital economy transformation in Bangladesh, where convenience, security, and accessibility are driving customer behaviour.

As digital adoption grows, Bank Asia is revolutionising Eid spending through innovative Digital Booths at cattle haats and secure payment infrastructure. ANM Mahfuz, AMD & CBO of Bank Asia PLC, shares how the bank is enhancing security and convenience while driving Bangladesh’s digital-first transformation.

The Daily Star (TDS): How do you expect overall consumer spending in Bangladesh to behave during this Eid-ul-Adha season compared with last year?

ANM Mahfuz (ANMM): Consumer spending during this Eid-ul-Adha is expected to remain strong and increasingly digital compared with last year. Despite inflationary pressure, Eid remains one of the largest consumption periods in Bangladesh, particularly for cattle trading, travel, fashion, groceries and remittance-supported family spending.

We are observing increased transaction activity through cards, mobile banking, internet banking, Bangla QR and account-to-account transfers. Customers are increasingly preferring secure and convenient digital channels for both small and large-value transactions.

TDS: What major trends are you seeing in Eid-related digital transactions, such as card payments, mobile financial services, and online transfers?

ANMM: Several important trends are becoming increasingly visible during Eid periods. These include significant growth in QR-based payments, especially Bangla QR transactions in retail outlets and cattle markets. One important development is the growing acceptance of digital payments in cattle markets. For the last five years, we have been operating Digital Booths in cattle haats where 24/7 banking support is provided through cash counters, ATM services, POS machines and Purchase QR (Bangla QR).

TDS: What role can banks play in making Eid travel, shopping and Qurbani-related payments safer and more convenient for customers?

ANMM: Banks can drive digital adoption by expanding QR and POS infrastructure, improving ATM and agent banking coverage, and offering secure payment gateways for e-commerce. Enhancing cybersecurity and transaction monitoring, alongside customer awareness campaigns, ensures a safer and more convenient festive experience.

For Qurbani-related activities, digital payment solutions can significantly reduce the security risks associated with carrying large amounts of cash in cattle markets. Our Digital Booth initiative in cattle haats is one practical example of how banks can support safer and more convenient Eid transactions for buyers, sellers and farmers.

TDS: What trends are you observing in e-commerce and online buying during Eid, and how are banks enabling that ecosystem?

ANMM: E-commerce activity continues to grow rapidly during Eid seasons. Customers are increasingly purchasing fashion items, groceries, electronics, gifts, travel tickets and even Qurbani-related services online.

Key trends include increased mobile-based shopping, higher demand for instant digital payment options, growth in social commerce, SME-led online businesses and increased card and account-based online transactions.