Bangladesh unveils first ever local currency card

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina unveiled Bangladesh's first ever local currency card, "TakaPay", aiming to reduce dependency on international cards such as Visa, MasterCard as well as to save foreign currencies. The TakaPay card is being issued by state-owned Sonali Bank alongside private sector's City Bank and BRAC Bank in collaboration with the Bangladesh central bank.
"TakaPay" will initially provide the same service nationally through the use of National Payment Switch Bangladesh, an electronic payment platform run by the central bank. It can be used abroad, once foreign banks and institutions partner with the platform.