UCB leads cashless Bangladesh initiative programme in Kushtia
United Commercial Bank (UCB), under the initiative of Bangladesh Bank, organised a day-long programme titled 'Cashless Bangladesh Initiative' in Kushtia to promote a cashless financial system, with UCB serving as the lead bank.
The programme was held on 18 January at the Kushtia Shilpakala Academy auditorium. Amzad Hossain Khan, Executive Director (Grade-1) of Bangladesh Bank's Rajshahi office, attended the event as the chief guest.
The seminar was chaired by ANM Moinul Kabir, Director of the Payment Systems Department-1 at Bangladesh Bank's head office. Guests of honour included Arief Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank; Md Mizanur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education & ICT and Development & Human Resource Management) of Kushtia district administration; and Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Managing Director and CEO of UCB.
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The programme began with the release of balloons and festoons at the Shilpakala Academy premises, followed by a public awareness rally. A special seminar on the 'Cashless Bangladesh Initiative' was subsequently held.
Speaking as the chief guest, Amzad Hossain Khan said the government spends a substantial amount each year on printing, transporting, and securing cash. He said expanding digital transactions — particularly the use of Bangla QR — would significantly reduce these costs, while enhancing financial security for the public.
Special guest Arief Hossain Khan said implementation of the 'Cashless Bangladesh Initiative' would ensure greater transparency, efficiency, and security in financial transactions, while expanding digital payments would also help bring rural and marginalised communities under broader financial inclusion.
UCB Managing Director and CEO Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid said expanding digital transactions would make the economy more transparent, dynamic, and secure. He said UCB is working on digital platforms to provide customers with faster and more modern banking services, adding that a cashless economy would reduce corruption, increase revenue, and further strengthen the rural economy.
During the programme, officials from Bangladesh Bank delivered a presentation outlining the objectives of the 'Cashless Bangladesh Initiative', followed by an open discussion session. Participants were also given hands-on demonstrations of digital payment methods using Bangla QR codes at booths set up by various banks.
Senior officials from UCB and other banks, along with representatives from different professional groups, attended the event.
