BB flags 22 unauthorised online platforms

BB asked the BTRC to block the companies' apps and websites, including their listings on the Google Play Store,

Bangladesh Bank has identified 22 unlicensed entities involved in financial transactions and issued a public warning concerning their operations.

In a notice posted on the central bank's official Facebook page on Sunday, it advised the public to refrain from conducting activities and transactions through these unauthorised platforms.

The post urged: "Stay alert, stay safe."

The flagged entities are BohudurPay, ZiniPay, PayTiller, BengaliPay, Payora BD, SohojPay BD, EasyPayWay, AK Pay, BD PAY, ShajgarPay, AsthaPay/CPay, UddoktaPay, Walletmix, BttPay, Easy Pay Automation, UniquePay BD, BD AUTO PAY, RH Pay BD, EzePay, AutoPay.Ltd, Biswasto, and PipraPay.

The financial sector regulatory body highlighted in its notice that these unlicensed platforms have been offering “payment aggregator” services without proper approval.

The central bank reiterated that providing payment services through any individual, entity, or company without authorisation from Bangladesh Bank is completely illegal and a punishable offence under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2024.

According to different sources, 19 of these firms offer payment options through bKash, Nagad, Rocket, Bangla QR, and various banks.

Arief Hossain Khan, spokesperson and executive director of the Bangladesh Bank, said the central bank is warning customers about the unlicensed firms and making it clear that it would not bear liability if users are defrauded through them.

"This is also why the Bangladesh Bank has asked the BTRC to block the companies' apps and websites, including their listings on the Google Play Store," he said.