Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC has launched the Khidmah Credit Card as part of its strategic expansion of international transaction services, aiming to provide customers with secure, seamless, and globally accepted payment solutions. The formal inauguration ceremony was held at Islami Bank Tower in the capital, attended by senior executives from the bank and its international partner.
The card has been introduced in collaboration with UnionPay International, a Shanghai-based global card services provider. Through this partnership, Khidmah Credit Cardholders will gain access to UnionPay’s extensive global payment infrastructure, which spans approximately 183 countries and regions. This broad acceptance network is expected to facilitate smoother cross-border transactions for Bangladeshi travellers, students, and patients seeking services abroad.
Under the new arrangement, customers can make payments through quick response code-based systems and point-of-sale terminals worldwide. In addition, cardholders will be able to withdraw cash from affiliated automated teller machines, subject to regulatory compliance and foreign currency approval procedures as stipulated by the central bank.
Bank officials noted that the card’s service framework has been carefully designed with particular consideration for customers travelling to China for higher education, medical treatment, and business engagements. Students will be able to settle tuition fees directly with educational institutions, while patients can pay hospital bills and related expenses conveniently. Travellers may also use the card for accommodation, transportation, and other essential expenditures, thereby reducing reliance on physical currency.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the bank’s Managing Director, Mohammed Omar Faruk Khan, as chief guest. Kai Huiming, Head of South East Asia Branch of UnionPay International, attended as special guest. Additional Managing Director Engineer Mohammed Jamal Uddin Majumder delivered the welcome address. Other senior executives present included Additional Managing Director Dr M Kamal Uddin Jasim, Deputy Managing Directors Mohammed Rafiqul Islam and Mohammed Maksudur Rahman, and Head of Digital Banking Mohammed Mosharraf Hossain.
According to the bank’s leadership, the introduction of the Khidmah Credit Card marks a significant milestone in its ongoing digital transformation agenda. By integrating with a global financial infrastructure, the bank aims to enhance transparency, reliability, and transactional security for its clients engaged in international commerce and travel.
Industry analysts observe that as outbound travel, overseas education, and cross-border medical services continue to grow, demand for secure and internationally recognised payment instruments is rising steadily. The Khidmah Credit Card is therefore regarded as a timely initiative that strengthens the country’s banking sector and aligns it more closely with global financial systems.
Key Features of Khidmah Credit Card
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Card Network | UnionPay International |
| Global Acceptance | Approximately 183 countries and regions |
| Payment Methods | Quick response code and point-of-sale terminals |
| Cash Withdrawal | Affiliated automated teller machines |
| Target Customers | Travellers, students, and medical patients |
| Foreign Currency Facility | Subject to approval and central bank regulations |