United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) hosted a comprehensive Hajj Agency Conference in Chattogram on Tuesday, reinforcing its commitment to providing seamless financial services for pilgrims and fostering stronger partnerships with Hajj agencies nationwide.
The conference brought together senior bank officials and representatives from the country’s leading Hajj agencies to discuss innovations, operational improvements, and collaborative strategies designed to enhance the pilgrim experience.
Key Attendees
The programme was graced by Mr. Abul Alam Ferdous, Additional Managing Director of UCB, as Chief Guest. Special Guests included:
Mr. Alhaj Shariat Ullah Shahid, Chairman of the Chattogram Zonal Committee and Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB)
Mr. Alhaj Mohammed Abdul Malek, Secretary of the Chattogram Zonal Committee and Joint General Secretary of HAAB’s Central Committee
Also in attendance were UCB’s Head of the Chattogram Metro Region, Head of SME & Agri Banking Division, senior bank executives, and representatives from more than 100 Hajj agencies operating in Chattogram.
Expanding Hajj Services
During his speech, Mr. Ferdous highlighted the sacred importance of Hajj and stressed UCB’s dedication to offering secure, timely, and reliable financial services to pilgrims. He noted that over the past four years, UCB has emerged as the fifth-largest bank in Hajj operations in Bangladesh.
The bank’s services are delivered through a widespread network, including 423 branches and sub-branches and over 602 agent banking outlets nationwide. The number of Hajj agencies served by UCB has steadily risen from 61 at inception to 107 in 2026, with a target of supporting over 200 agencies by 2027.
| Year | Agencies Served | Growth Target |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 61 | Initial launch |
| 2024 | 78 | Network expansion |
| 2025 | 94 | Partnership strengthening |
| 2026 | 107 | Target 200 by 2027 |
Future Initiatives
The conference also outlined new initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and security of Hajj operations. A dedicated UCB task force will liaise directly with agencies to resolve financial issues promptly, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for pilgrims.
By organising this conference, UCB reinforces its role as a key facilitator of Hajj services in Bangladesh, blending financial reliability with spiritual responsibility to better serve the nation’s pilgrims.