The Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Mustafa Jabbar, has urged all parties involved to refrain from disseminating deceptive propaganda regarding the Postal Department and Nagad in mainstream and social media. The Directorate of Posts and Telecommunications of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh released a press note citing the minister’s remarks on this matter today (on August 28, 2022).
In this statement, the Honorable Minister responded to a recent incorrect report circulated regarding Nagad on mainstream and social media. “We have seen that a vested group has always been disgruntled with the success of Nagad, the mobile financial service of Bangladesh Post Office,” he added. “Whose interests are being harmed when Nagad has improved the quality of MFS in the country and charges are at their lowest in a decade?” He questioned.
Nagad has reduced cash-out charges to single digits, i.e., 9.99 TK per thousand in the country’s mobile financial sector. Other market players were compelled to lower their cash-out charge as a result of Nagad’s disruptive initiative.
“With Nagad, crores of marginalized people in the country were able to enter the mainstream economy,” the Minister added. “Low-income individuals in the country, including children, women, elderly, and widows, are receiving government allowances while staying at home, digitally.”
“That with 100% transparency. Then who is being harmed here? It should be stated clearly that no loss has been or will be incurred by the Postal Department for Nagad. The operator is performing its national duty as a service to the Postal Department.” Minister added.
After integrating MFS operators with the Bangladesh government’s SafetyNet disbursement program in 2020, Nagad revolutionized the distribution of allowances such as stipends, and other financial assistance. So far, Nagad has disbursed around 75 percent of social safety net allowances.
“Please do not be misled by disinformation or heed to rumors,” Mustafa Jabbar stated explicitly in the ministry’s statement. “Nagad’s every move is in conformity with all of the country’s laws and norms. There is no room for inconsistency. No one should thus attempt to muddy the waters to serve their own interests.”
He urged the people to support the organization, saying, “Nagad is the service of the country and the postal department; stay with Nagad for the sake of the people of the country.”