Online Desk: Those non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) transfer remittances to their close ones using unofficial channels are encouraging crimes, Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder has said.

The families of a remitter receive a part of the launderers’ illegal earnings through such practices, the governor added.

“This means you are unknowingly helping a criminal activity. On one hand, your earnings are not coming to the country, on the other hand, you are encouraging crime,” said the governor.

He made the remarks on Tuesday evening while addressing as a chief guest of a ceremony to launch ‘Sonali Exchange Mobile App’ organised by the state-owned commercial Sonali Bank at a city hotel.

The chief of the central bank also said the government has been implementing a wide range of initiatives to facilitate the transfer of NRB’s hard-earned money in Bangladesh.

Sonali Bank’s new mobile app is one of such initiatives, he said.

Sonali Bank PLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director Md. Afzal Karim presided over the programme while Sheikh Mohammad Salim Ullah, secretary of the Financial Institute Division, and Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder, secretary of the Finance Division under the Ministry of Finance, attended as special guests. Sonali Bank Chairman Ziaul Hasan Siddiqui virtually joined the programme.

Mr Abdur Rouf Talukder also said a smart economy entailing a cashless society is one of the prerequisites for building a smart Bangladesh.

Highlighting digital transformation in the banking sector, he said after five years, no customers may visit the branches in person, and the banks should take preparations keeping this in mind.

Sheikh Mohammad Salim Ullah said smart banking services are required to help expedite the country’s vision to be a developed nation by 2041.

Khairuzzaman Mozumder said the new app will help NRBs to participate in the recently introduced universal pension scheme in the country.

“Around 16,000 registrations for the pension scheme have been done so far, however overseas Bangladeshis participation remains limited,” he said.

The digital fund transfer facility directly to pension funds will help in this regard.

Mr Afzal Karim said that by using the app, remitters can now send money anytime from anywhere allowing them more time.

This has been a significant milestone for building smart Bangladesh, he said adding that it will also help promote cashless banking.

Using the new app, the expatriates of the USA, specially the New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Maryland, Georgia and Florida states, can send their remittance free of cost, easily and fast round the clock.

The expatriates will receive a 2.5 per cent incentive in every transaction from the government of Bangladesh and an additional 2.5 per cent from Sonali Bank PLC.

A number of NRBs virtually joined the launching ceremony.