Dhaka, Dec 8 (UNB) - Bangladesh Bank has taken an initiative to set up e-payment gateway for expanding internet banking and e-commerce in the country, its governor Dr Atiur Rahman said on Thursday.

“I hope the e-payment gateway will start functioning in the first quarter of 2013,” he said while inaugurating Easy Pay system of ICB Islamic Bank under Bangladesh Electronic Fund Transfer Network (BEFTN).

He said inter operability among the terminals of ATM (automated teller machine) and POS (point of sales) will be ensured across the country through this e-payment gateway, and it will help expand
e-commerce in the country.

“The recent progress in the payment system is part of the central bank’s sincere efforts to ensure the development of the country’s banking sector,” the central bank chief said.

He said Bangladesh Automated Clearing House is a milestone in the country’s banking sector and overall payment sector.

Clients now can transfer funds safely and quickly at affordable cost under the BEFTN.

Senior officials of the central bank and ICB Islamic Bank were present at the function held at the BB conference room.