United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) convened a Hajj Agency Conference at a prominent hotel in Chattogram on Tuesday, aiming to strengthen collaboration with Hajj agencies and enhance the overall experience for pilgrims.
The event, attended by senior bank officials and representatives from leading Hajj agencies, focused on expanding and streamlining UCB’s Hajj services, ensuring pilgrims receive secure, timely, and efficient financial support throughout their journey.
Distinguished Guests
Mr. Abul Alam Ferdous, Additional Managing Director of UCB, presided 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 the Central Committee of HAAB
Also present were UCB’s Head of the Chattogram Metro Region, the Head of SME & Agri Banking Division, senior bank officials, and representatives from over 100 Hajj agencies operating in Chattogram.
Commitment to Pilgrims
In his address, Mr. Ferdous emphasised the sacred and sensitive nature of Hajj, underlining UCB’s commitment to providing secure and reliable financial services. He noted that the bank has been serving pilgrims for four consecutive years, leveraging its extensive network:
423 branches and sub-branches nationwide
Over 602 agent banking outlets
UCB has steadily increased its Hajj service network, expanding from 61 agencies initially to 107 agencies in 2026, with plans to extend services to more than 200 agencies by 2027.
| Year | Number of Hajj Agencies Served | Notable Expansion Targets |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 61 | Initial launch |
| 2024 | 78 | Expansion to new regions |
| 2025 | 94 | Strengthening partnerships |
| 2026 | 107 | Targeting 200 agencies by 2027 |
New Initiatives
The conference also highlighted upcoming measures designed to simplify Hajj operations and enhance security. A dedicated UCB team will now collaborate directly with agencies to ensure prompt resolution of financial matters, addressing any challenges faced by pilgrims and service providers.
UCB’s continuous engagement reflects its vision to be a leading facilitator of Hajj services in Bangladesh, ensuring that the spiritual journey of every pilgrim is supported with efficiency, safety, and care.