Banglalink launches Mukto Pay for cross-network payments

Customers of any mobile operator can now transfer money, pay utility bills and recharge mobile phones through Banglalink's newly launched Mukto Pay platform, with no fees on transfers and bill payments for the first three months.
The platform offers wallet-to-wallet transfers, utility bill payments, mobile recharges across all operators, bank and card-based wallet top-ups, and online payments, according to a press release. 
Customers can register through the app using their National ID and mobile number, regardless of their operator. Banglalink subscribers can also access the service by dialling *525# without an internet connection.
The platform also offers a dedicated merchant app for businesses to receive payments and track transactions. Banglalink plans to introduce Bangla QR to support interoperable payments among merchants.
“With Mukto Pay, Banglalink is extending its reach beyond connectivity into everyday financial transactions,” said Johan Buse, chief executive officer of Banglalink.
Dmitry Kashtanov, chief fintech officer of Banglalink, said the platform aims to make everyday transactions faster, simpler and more accessible.
K M Zakaria, chief executive officer of Mukto Pay, said the priority was to ensure a simple and reliable payment experience for customers across all mobile networks.
The launch marks Banglalink's entry into digital financial services as it seeks to expand its role in Bangladesh's digital economy.
The operator serves around 40 million people in Bangladesh, while its parent company VEON's financial services platforms reach 59 million customers across Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The initiative also aligns with VEON's commitment to Bangladesh's digital economy, including an announced initial anchor investment of $250 million, according to the release.