Google has officially launched its digital payment app Google Pay, in Bangladesh on June 24, 2025. The launch event was held at The Westin Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. Ahsan H. Mansur, the governor of Bangladesh Bank, was present as the chief guest.
Google Pay in Bangladesh is being introduced in partnership with City Bank, Mastercard and Visa. At first, only City Bank customers will be able to use the service. They can add their City Bank-issued Mastercard or Visa cards to Google Wallet. Then, they can use their Android phones to make fast, secure, and contactless payments.
Google Pay uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This means users can simply tap their phones on a payment machine at stores to pay. The service works both in Bangladesh and in other countries where contactless payments are accepted. Google uses strong encryption and tokenization to protect user data and keep transactions safe.
This launch is important because over 95% of smartphones in Bangladesh are Android-based. Google Pay will help people avoid carrying physical cards and make payments more easily. Small transactions can even be done without entering a PIN, which makes everyday payments faster.
Ahsan H. Mansur said this launch is a positive sign for global investors and shows that Bangladesh is moving forward in digital innovation. Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director of City Bank, said they are proud to offer such a modern payment solution to their customers.
Right now, the service is only available to City Bank cardholders. But in the future, more banks may join. To use it, customers need an Android phone, the Google Wallet app, and a City Bank Mastercard or Visa card. The store also needs to accept NFC payments through Mastercard or Visa.
It is mentionable that Google Pay started in the USA in 2011, India in 2017 and in Bangladesh in 2025.