DHAKA, Sept 20,2022 (BSS) - The a2i and Robi Axiata Ltd today signed a Memorandum 
of Understanding (MoU) aimed at introducing Direct Operator Billing (DOB) 
payment systems for the citizens, especially the marginal communities. 

a2i Project Director Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir and Chief Strategy 
Officer of Robi Ruhul Amin signed the MoU on behalf of their respective 
organizations at ICT Tower in the city's Agargoan area, said a press release 
here.

Under the MoU, the a2i of the Cabinet Division, ICT Division of Bangladesh 
and supported by UNDP, will develop product-based payment services initially 
with the help of mobile operator Robi. 

After successful implementation of some pilot phases, a2i will expand these 
services with all the telecom operators' mobile wallets and expand them 
horizontally. 

The a2i and Robi will also explore different opportunities to materialize DOB 
that significantly benefits the marginalized communities. 

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir said, 
"As representing the government, a2i will facilitate Direct Operator Billing 
(DOB) payment services by partnering with telecom operators in Bangladesh. 
This is the beginning". 

Both a2i and Robi will work together to drive necessary policy, regulatory 
changes and modification as per the requirement of exploration and launching 
DOB collection services, he added. 

Using mobile airtime, DOB, as a convenient payment method used globally, 
allows mobile subscribers to pay for digital services like electronically 
consumable services and utility bills. 

After getting integrated with all the government services, DOB will help to 
overcome the payment channel access barrier and enable the mass people, 
especially the marginal community of the country, to avail digital services 
from home.

At the MoU signing function, a2i Programme Implementation Specialist Md 
Mazedul Islam, Team Leader (Deputy Secretary) of Digital Service Khandakar 
Manowar Morshed and National Consultant Mohammad Moshiur Rahman, Robi 
Executive Vice President of VAS and New Business of Robi Ahmed Arman Siddiqui 
and Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability of Robi Sharif Shah 
Jamal Raz, and other high officials from both organizations were also 
present.