Bangladesh Bank has instructed all banks to introduce a digital verification system using QR codes for visa-related financial documents. The directive, issued on Tuesday, aims to ensure that bank statements and other financial papers submitted by visa applicants can be verified online by embassies and visa centers. The move follows complaints that the absence of real-time verification has been causing administrative delays and higher processing costs.

According to the circular, bank statements, solvency certificates, and investment certificates submitted for visa applications must include a QR code that allows verification of key details such as account number, account holder’s name, statement period, and issue date. Banks are also required to store this information for at least six months in a verifiable format. The central bank has given institutions 90 days to implement the necessary technological systems while maintaining compliance with existing cybersecurity and data protection regulations.

The initiative is expected to streamline visa processing and enhance document authenticity for Bangladeshi applicants abroad.