PoriPurno News Desk | July 31, 2025
Freelancers Cry Foul Over Missing Government Incentive on Legal Dollar Transfers via Payoneer
Bangladesh’s government currently offers a 2.5% incentive on remittances brought in through legal channels—a move aimed at encouraging foreign currency inflow and rewarding hardworking migrants and freelancers. However, fresh allegations are surfacing that popular mobile financial service provider bKash Limited may not be fully delivering this incentive to a key group: freelancers receiving money via Payoneer.
Exchange Rate Discrepancy Raises Questions
As of July 31, 2025, the international market rate for the U.S. dollar stands at Tk 121.87. Yet, freelancers receiving payments via Payoneer through bKash are getting an exchange rate of only Tk 117.64 per dollar—a shortfall of over Tk 4 per dollar. For a transaction of $1,000, this equates to a loss of more than Tk 4,230, even after the 2.5% government incentive is applied.
One freelancer told PoriPurno.com,
“I transferred $1,000 via Payoneer. At Tk 117.64, that’s Tk 117,647. But bKash paid me Tk 119,364. Where exactly is the extra incentive amount?”
Conflicting Information from bKash
Adding to the confusion, bKash representatives are reportedly offering inconsistent answers. One agent insisted the amount received includes the full incentive. However, another clearly stated that “Payoneer transactions are not considered remittances and thus do not qualify for the incentive.”
This contradiction flies in the face of public messaging—bKash continues to advertise government incentives for remittances on its website and promotional materials.
“If I used to receive the incentive earlier through Payoneer, why was it stopped without any notice? Isn’t that a betrayal?” one aggrieved freelancer asked.
Is It Exploitation or Lack of Oversight?
Bangladesh’s mobile financial services sector has long faced criticism for lack of transparency. While the government invests hundreds of crores of taka to encourage remittances via official channels, many are questioning where the incentive money is actually going—if not to the rightful recipients.
An economist told PoriPurno.com,
“There’s virtually no government tracking system to verify who is receiving these incentives. Companies could easily pocket the amount under vague terms or hidden policies. That’s a clear avenue for corruption.”
Still No Official Statement from bKash
So far, bKash has not issued any formal explanation. Instead, their customer service continues to give contradictory messages, deepening users’ confusion and mistrust.
“Some agents say the incentive is already included, while others say there’s no incentive at all because it’s from Payoneer,” said a concerned freelancer.
This inconsistency points to a bigger issue: bKash has not clearly stated which inbound channels qualify as ‘remittance’ and which don’t.
💻 Freelancers Left Out in the Cold
Thousands of freelancers across Bangladesh are legally bringing in foreign currency and contributing to the national economy. Yet, they are increasingly excluded from the full benefits of remittance schemes.
One senior freelancer voiced his frustration:
“We are bringing in dollars for the country. If companies like bKash treat us like this, is the government even watching?”
Increase Your Business with Expert Digital Solutions!
Get Unlimited Facebook Ad Credit, Guaranteed SEO Rankings, & Professional Web Development – all under one roof at MahbubOsmane.com!
14+ Years of Experience – Guaranteed SEO Rankings
800+ Satisfied Clients – Unlimited Facebook Ad Credit
Proven Results, Maximum ROI – Professional Web Development
Contact us ( +8801716988953 WhatsApp ) today and take your business to the next level! Visit: MahbubOsmane.com
Key Questions That Remain Unanswered:
- Is bKash transparently distributing the 2.5% incentive on all qualifying remittance transactions?
- Has the government defined Payoneer transactions as eligible for remittance incentives?
- How does bKash calculate and inform customers about the incentive portion in each transaction?
- If freelancers are not receiving the full incentive, who is benefiting from the government’s allocation?
Unless the government ensures strict oversight, clear policy communication, and enforcement, the incentive meant to reward freelancers may only end up enriching intermediaries.
As the report highlights:
“Remittance flows in, the incentive vanishes—so who’s really profiting? Are freelancers only being used for the numbers?”
This investigative report reveals the growing mistrust among freelancers and raises serious concerns about transparency and fairness in Bangladesh’s mobile financial ecosystem.
Dollar Remittance via bKash – But Who’s Really Profiting?
Is the incentive system just a clever scheme?
While freelancers are left out, someone else is cashing in big.
Who’s taking the bigger bite from your hard-earned dollars?Full story on PoriPurno.com
Do you still have questions? Or would you like us to give you a call?
Call us at wa.me/+966549485900 or wa.me/+8801716988953 to get a free consultancy from our expert or you can directly email us at hi@mahbubosmane.com We would be happy to answer you.
