UCB launches day-care centre, gender equity measures for women’s empowerment

In alignment with the theme 'Accelerate Action', United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) celebrated International Women's Day on 8 March 2025. On this occasion, a special discussion session was held at the bank's head office, where UCB announced several initiatives, including the launch of a day-care centre for working mothers, an internal healthcare service, and measures to ensure a more balanced gender ratio at mid and senior management levels.

The event's chief guest was Mrs Qamrun Nahar Zahir, chairperson of Ananta Group. In her speech, she emphasised the need to prioritise women's empowerment and focus on fostering female leadership. She stated, "For empowerment, women need to set the right priorities, and more focus should be placed on women's leadership. Women need to develop themselves as capable, and at the same time, organisations must create the necessary opportunities. It is crucial to take positive steps so that women can fully realise their potential."

Other distinguished speakers included Nawshad Mustafa, director (SMESPD) of Bangladesh Bank, and Nazim Hasan Sattar, deputy managing director of the SME Foundation. Representing UCB, chairman Sharif Zahir, vice chairman Md Shazzad Hossoin, audit committee chairman Obaidur Rahman, FCA, and managing director and CEO Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid shared their insights. They highlighted that currently, 20% of UCB's workforce consists of women, and the bank is committed to increasing this percentage and creating a more conducive work environment.

Among the distinguished guests were Bangladesh Bank's joint directors (SMESPD) Ms Shahriar Nasrin and Ms Hafiya Tajrian, along with senior officials of UCB.

A special highlight of the event was the presentation of inspiring success stories by female entrepreneurs. Participants included Kazi Kakoli, owner of 'Shuddho Krishi', Farhana Kabir, owner of 'Roxy's Collection', Shity Salma Khan, owner of 'Sat Satero' & 'ISC Professional Training Center', and Sumshrita Poddar Bithi, owner of 'B2'.

These pioneering women entrepreneurs praised UCB for its support, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when many financial institutions refrained from lending. They acknowledged that UCB stood by them, even providing loans without requiring spousal or guardian guarantees.

The entrepreneurs shared their challenges, achievements, and experiences, inspiring the attendees with their stories of perseverance and success.