Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Banglalink, a leading mobile operator, in partnership with Dhaka Bank Limited and money transfer company Western Union launched an international mobile money transfer service on Wednesday targeting seven million Bangladeshis abroad.
The service launched will facilitate speedy transfer of money from almost every country to Bangladesh.
Banglalink users with Dhaka Bank accounts will be able to send money through Western Union from more than 200 countries and territories, a press statement said.
The recipients will have access to their money from any of the over 1,700 Dhaka Bank accredited Banglalink mobile cash points that are open till 8pm everyday.
In future, this service may also be used in local fund transfers, utility payments and train ticket purchase.
Asher Yaqub Khan, chief commercial officer of Banglalink, said, “Our philosophy is based not only on pioneering new mobile services, but also making mobile technology affordable and accessible.”
“The new service is set to open up access to basic financial services.”
Khondker Fazle Rashid, managing director of Dhaka Bank, said, “The international money transfer system will create a new dimension in remitting money through legal channel.”
Ratheesh Kumar, regional vice president (South Asia & Southeast Asia) of Western Union, said the company is celebrating its 160th anniversary and has been moving 'money for better' for more than 135 years.
Bangladesh has grown to be the world's seventh largest remittance-receiving country. Remittances make up 9.6 percent of the country's gross domestic product, it added.
BBN/SSR/AD-26Jan12-12:40 am (BST)