Affordable smartphones are now being manufactured in Bangladesh, with prices expected to range from Tk 4,000 to Tk 5,000, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said.

He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking as the chief guest at a group dialogue titled “Financial Inclusion 2.0,” organized by the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka. The information was disclosed in a press release issued by the Finance Ministry.

The finance minister said the availability of low-cost smartphones would make technology more accessible to farmers and ordinary citizens. They would be able to easily access information on weather conditions, fertilizer requirements and market prices of agricultural products.

He also said the introduction of Family Cards and Farmer Cards, along with the payment of allowances to imams and priests through banking channels, was contributing to greater financial inclusion.

Amir Khosru emphasized the need for stronger internet connectivity, a “One Citizen, One Wallet” system and the integration of the rural economy into the digital framework to bring marginalized communities into the mainstream economy.

He said sustainable development would require robust digital infrastructure and the effective use of artificial intelligence.

The minister said digital inclusion and financial inclusion were closely interconnected. Reliable, high-speed internet connectivity is essential for expanding the digital economy, while the full benefits of digital financial services cannot be achieved without strong internet infrastructure.

He further said initiatives were being taken under the “One Village, One Product” program to identify marginalized producers and artisans and bring them under digital payment and banking systems.

He stressed the need to ensure adequate cybersecurity and policy safeguards so that innovation does not slow down amid rapid technological change.

The event was moderated by PPRC Executive Chairman Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman and attended by heads of various banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.