Southeast Bank launches visa student credit card

Southeast Bank PLC has launched what it describes as Bangladesh's first Visa student credit card, at a ceremony held at the Sheraton Dhaka on Wednesday.

The bank said the initiative aims to support youth empowerment and financial inclusion, while promoting responsible credit use among students.

The Visa student credit card is designed for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students of recognised universities, backed by parental guarantees. Southeast Bank said the product is intended to help students manage education-related, digital, and lifestyle expenses through a controlled credit facility, while encouraging responsible financial behaviour.

Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Md Zakir Hossain Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest. M A Kashem, chairman of Southeast Bank PLC, attended as the special guest. Aziz Al Kaiser, chairman of the board of trustees of North South University, was present as guest of honour, while Sabbir Ahmed Khan, country manager of Visa International, also joined the programme. Managing Director and CEO Md Khalid Mahmood Khan presided over the ceremony and delivered the welcome address.

Representatives from North South University, ASA University Bangladesh, Daffodil International University, and other universities attended, along with senior officials from Visa International and Southeast Bank, including additional managing directors, deputy managing directors, and other executives.

In his speech, the deputy governor praised the bank for introducing a student-focused credit product with safeguards, and stressed the importance of promoting financial literacy and responsible borrowing among young people. He also emphasised the need to maintain compliance and risk management standards, while expanding access to formal financial services.

M A Kashem said the initiative is aimed at empowering the younger generation with structured financial tools, adding that it reflects the bank's commitment to innovation and inclusion.

Md Khalid Mahmood Khan said the product has been designed with controlled credit limits and risk management measures to encourage responsible use. Aziz Al Kaiser welcomed the initiative and called for stronger collaboration between academia and the banking sector, noting that student-focused financial solutions can support inclusion and improved expense management.

Southeast Bank said the card includes controlled credit limits, dual transaction alerts to both students and parents or guardians, restrictions on high-risk transaction categories, and full digital banking access. The product has been developed in line with Bangladesh Bank guidelines, according to the bank.

The ceremony included the formal unveiling of the card and the handover to selected students from several universities.