(BSS) - Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today said robust internet connectivity, a "one citizen-one wallet" system and the integration of the rural economy into the digital system are essential for sustainable development and for bringing marginalised people into the economic mainstream.

"Digital inclusion and financial inclusion complement each other. Robust digital infrastructure and effective implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) can help ensure sustainable development," he said.

The Finance Minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a group dialogue titled "Financial Inclusion 2.0", organised by the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) at a hotel in the capital, said a Finance Ministry press release.

He said uninterrupted and high-speed internet connectivity is essential to ensure the overall momentum of the digital economy.

"Without strong internet infrastructure, it is not possible to fully realise the benefits of digital finance," he said.

The minister said the government is taking steps to identify marginalised producers and artisans under the "One Village, One Product" programme and bring them under digital payment and banking services.

He said affordable smartphones are now being produced in the country, with devices available at prices ranging from Tk 4,000 to Tk 5,000, creating greater opportunities for farmers and ordinary people to use technology.

Farmers can now access information on weather, fertiliser requirements and market prices more easily through digital technology, he added.

He said the introduction of banking services for Family Cards, Farmer Cards and allowances for imams and priests is also automatically contributing to financial inclusion.

The finance minister stressed the need to ensure cybersecurity and appropriate policy safeguards or "guardrails" so that innovation does not stagnate amid rapid technological changes.

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman moderated the dialogue, which was attended by heads of various banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.