The leading private bank of the country – United Commercial Bank Plc (UCB) has launched various new products including deposit accounts and loan packages in line with the goal of 'Three Zeros' proposed by Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Dr. In his book 'A World of Three Zeros', Yunus envisioned a world of zero poverty, zero carbon emissions and zero unemployment (three zeros). To realize this dream, the banking sector and financial ecosystem partners need to take effective steps to launch products that can empower the underprivileged and empower the young generation.
In line with this goal, UCB launched the new products today (October 15) at a press conference held at the bank's head office in Gulshan in the capital. UCB Chairman Sharif Zaheer was present as the chief guest in the press conference.
Abdul Hai Khan, Managing Director of Grameen Trust was the special guest. UCB Managing Director and Chief Executive Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid and other senior officers of the bank were also present in the event.
UCB's newly launched products include 'Independence' (Zero Unemployment), 'Equality' (Zero Poverty) and 'Green Savings' (Zero Carbon). Besides, three new loan packages have also been introduced; Namely: – UCB 'Progress' (Zero Poverty), UCB 'Green Prosperity' (Zero Carbon) and UCB 'Initiation' (Zero Unemployment).
UCB Chairman Sharif Zaheer said on the occasion, “As a responsible institution, UCB is committed to introducing sustainable banking solutions and relevant products, so that we can make the world a little more livable for all of us. Dr. Inspired by Yunus' mission of 'Three Zeros', we have come up with new products, through which everyone will enjoy comfortable and convenient banking services. Our new products will not only add new dimensions to customers' banking experience, but will also help implement the 'Three Zeros'.”
The bank's new product line-up (savings account) has a wide range of benefits for customers. These include: attractive interest rates on balances, dual currency debit cards and no maintenance charges. On the other hand, new credit packages have been introduced with the aim of reducing poverty, carbon emissions and unemployment to zero percent.
Under UCB 'Pragati', customers can avail collateral-free loans of up to Rs 3 lakh, which will help people from low-income and poor communities achieve financial independence and escape from poverty. On the other hand, through UCB 'Suchna', customers will get financing facilities up to a maximum of Tk 5 lakh for various purposes including starting a new business.
This initiative of UCB will create various possibilities as well as create employment opportunities. UCB will finance 'Green Prosperity' eco-friendly business ventures, including renewable energy, waste management and recycling projects, which will contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
