Govt taking practical steps towards launching PayPal in Bangladesh: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government is taking practical steps towards launching PayPal services in Bangladesh, signalling renewed momentum in the country’s digital financial integration.

Responding to a question from Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, MP for Pabna-5, during the question-answer session in parliament, the prime minister said a committee has been formed to ensure the effective operation of hi-tech and software parks as well as ICT centres, alongside advancing the introduction of the global online payment gateway.

He said the government has already formulated an action plan based on the 180-day programme outlined in the election manifesto and has initiated steps for its implementation.

Highlighting progress across sectors, the prime minister said a project is awaiting approval to launch healthcare services through e-health cards in five districts -- Khulna, Noakhali, Bogura, Sirajganj and Narsingdi.

He added that a committee is working to identify playgrounds and improve infrastructure in both urban and rural areas, with plans to establish open playgrounds of eight bighas in each union and 10 bighas in each upazila.

Earlier, replying to a starred question from M Nurul Islam (Barguna-2 MP), the prime minister said the government is actively considering the introduction of an institutional framework in the 2026–27 fiscal year to promote the sustainable and long-term growth of the blue economy.

He noted that steps have already been taken to formulate a Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) framework, given the potential benefits and opportunities of the country’s maritime resources.

The prime minister added that BNP’s election manifesto includes plans to develop the blue economy through the science-based and sustainable use of maritime resources, alongside establishing a National Blue Economy Authority.