As Eid-ul-Adha drives a seasonal surge in shopping, travel and Qurbani-related spending across Bangladesh, banks are witnessing significant growth in digital payments, mobile banking and QR-based transactions. Mohammad Ali, Managing Director and CEO of Pubali Bank PLC, speaks with The Daily Star about changing spending behaviour during Eid and the future of cashless banking.

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?

Mohammad Ali (MA): Generally, we observe that Eid-related expenditure grows by around 12 to 15 per cent year on year. We track this through transaction patterns, including debit card usage, ATM cash withdrawals and mobile banking activity. This year, our mobile banking transactions increased by nearly 30 per cent compared with last year, while ATM cash-out transactions rose by more than 21 per cent. Debit card transactions also increased by almost 12 per cent. These trends reflect a broader rise in festive consumer spending, which also aligns with current GDP growth and inflation patterns.

TDS: What major trends are you seeing in Eid-related digital transactions?

MA: Digital banking adoption is growing rapidly during Eid. QR code payments, debit cards, mobile banking platforms and TakaPay transactions are all increasing steadily. Our QR merchant network expanded significantly this year, while POS merchants also increased considerably. Customers are becoming more comfortable with cashless transactions. This indicates that Bangladesh is gradually moving towards a digitally connected financial ecosystem.

TDS: How are banks preparing to support the seasonal rise in withdrawals and digital payments during Eid?

MA: Banks rely heavily on cash forecasting and transaction analysis during festive periods. Every branch monitors its historical Eid transaction patterns, daily liquidity requirements and expected withdrawal cycles. To ensure uninterrupted service, banks use data-driven forecasting to manage the Eid rush. By analysing daily withdrawal and deposit cycles, operational teams can effectively balance liquidity and maintain seamless banking throughout the festive period.

TDS: What trends are you observing in e-commerce and online buying during Eid?

MA: E-commerce and online transactions are expanding rapidly because customers increasingly prefer convenient and cost-effective banking channels. At Pubali Bank, we do not impose charges on many digital transactions because we want to encourage customers to use online banking platforms. Handling physical cash involves significant operational costs including transportation, ATM maintenance, security, and manpower. As digital adoption grows, banking becomes more efficient while customers receive faster and more accessible financial services.

Interview conducted by Farhan Musfique