HC rule over bKash payment in book fair
STAFF REPORTER
The High Court yesterday issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the agreement between the Bangla Academy and bKash relating to the payment of books bill through bKash account should not be declared illegal. The HC also allowed the customers to pay their money through online banking, mobile banking, cash and any other system and directed the book fair authorities to receive the money from the book buyers.
In response to a writ petition, the HC bench comprising Justice Tariq-ul Hakim and Justice M Faruque issued rule and order. Chairman and director general of Bangla Academy and others have been asked to reply to the rule within two weeks. Professor Dr Md Sazzad Hossain filed the writ petition with the HC challenging the legality of the Bangla Academy agreement with the bKash authorities over the payment of book purchase money in Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2018. Hossain in his petition said that he could not pay the money on February 11 as he has no bKash account as Bangla Academy decided to receive money through bKash account, which is illegal in the eye of law. Barrister Anik R Haque appeared for the petitioner while deputy attorney general Amatul Karim represented the state.
Launched in 2011, bKash, a joint venture of BRAC Bank, US based Money in Motion, World Banks private sector investment arm IFC and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation offers mobile financial services for the people of Bangladesh with high grade of charge.
