UCB honours women entrepreneurs on international women’s day
United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) honoured successful women entrepreneurs at a programme held at its head office to mark International Women's Day 2026.
At the opening of the event, UCB Chief Human Resources Officer Syed Hasnain Mamun welcomed participants and said the programme was arranged to celebrate women's development and empowerment, while recognising the contributions of female colleagues in the workplace.
Speaking at the event, UCB Managing Director and CEO Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid praised the dedication and professionalism of women employees and stressed the importance of ensuring women's equal participation in the development of the banking sector.
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The programme highlighted inspiring stories of courage and perseverance from women entrepreneurs in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer Md Abdullah Al Mamoon presented honorary crests to two entrepreneurs in recognition of their contributions to women's empowerment.
One of the honourees was Lata Kundu, proprietor of Fashion Palace. She started her business in 1999 at Gausia Market with women's three-piece outfits and ready-made garments. Despite facing limited capital and social barriers at the outset, she gradually expanded the business through perseverance and confidence. Her enterprise now operates four showrooms, according to the bank.
Another recipient was Syeda Sonia Pinky, founder of Manabi Boutique. She launched her boutique clothing business in 2009 and built it into an established name by overcoming a range of challenges. She said creativity, product quality and customer trust are key to success for women entrepreneurs.
The entrepreneurs said women can establish a strong position in business through courage, perseverance and proper support. They also said access to finance and confidence from banks play an important role in strengthening women-led businesses.
The programme also featured poetry recitation and experience-sharing by UCB's women employees, highlighting both challenges and achievements in the workplace.
It ended with an open question-and-answer session between senior management and women employees on creating a more women-friendly work environment.
