Banks asked to introduce QR-based verification for visa-related documents

Bangladesh Bank has
instructed all scheduled banks to add QR codes to bank statements and solvency
certificates submitted for visa applications, aiming to ensure transparency and
prevent document forgery.
Under the new directive, the
authenticity of bank statements and certificates submitted by Bangladeshi visa
applicants will be instantly verifiable through a QR code system.
The central bank's Banking
Regulation and Policy Department issued a circular in this regard today (12
May).
According to the circular,
embassies and visa centres of different countries often require applicants to
submit bank statements, solvency certificates and investment certificates.
However, the absence of an instant verification system for such documents has
been causing difficulties for embassies, leading to delays in visa processing
and increased administrative costs.
Bangladesh Bank said
introducing a digital verification system is essential to reduce processing
time and improve the accuracy of submitted information.
As per the directive, all
customer-requested bank statements and certificates for visa purposes must
include an online-verifiable Quick Response (QR) code.
By scanning the QR code,
authorities will be able to verify information including the customer's account
number, account name, opening balance, closing balance and the statement
issuance date.
Banks have also been
instructed to preserve and maintain the verification data online for at least
six months.
The directive has come into
immediate effect, although banks have been given 90 days from the date of the
circular to fully implement the system.
















