Southeast Bank PLC has officially launched the country’s first-ever Visa Student Credit Card at a grand ceremony held at Sheraton Dhaka on Wednesday. This pioneering initiative marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s card industry and reflects the Bank’s strategic commitment to youth empowerment, financial inclusion, and fostering a responsible credit culture, a press release said.
The Visa Student Credit Card is specially designed for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students of recognized universities, backed by parental guarantees to ensure prudent risk management. The product aims to encourage responsible financial behavior from an early stage while supporting students in managing their educational, digital, and lifestyle expenses through a controlled and secure credit facility.
The launching ceremony was honored by Md. Zakir Hossain Chowdhury, Honorable Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, as the Chief Guest, and M. A. Kashem, Honorable Chairman of Southeast Bank PLC, as the Special Guest. The event was also attended by the Guest of Honor, Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of North South University, and Sabbir Ahmed Khan, Country Manager of Visa International. The ceremony was presided over by Md. Khalid Mahmood Khan, Managing Director & CEO of Southeast Bank PLC.
Distinguished representatives from North South University, ASA University Bangladesh, Daffodil International University, and other prominent universities attended the ceremony. The event was also joined by senior officials from Visa International, as well as the Additional Managing Directors, Deputy Managing Directors, and senior executives of Southeast Bank PLC.
Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Guest, Md. Zakir Hossain Chowdhury, praised Southeast Bank PLC for launching a well-structured and safeguarded student-focused credit product. He highlighted the importance of promoting financial literacy and responsible borrowing habits among young people, noting that such initiatives contribute positively to strengthening the country’s financial ecosystem. He also emphasized the need for strong compliance and risk management standards while expanding access to formal financial services.
Speaking on the occasion, M. A. Kashem expressed his pride in introducing the country’s first-ever Student Credit Card, describing it as a visionary step toward empowering the younger generation. He emphasized that Southeast Bank believes in investing in future leaders by equipping them with structured and responsible financial tools. He added that this initiative reflects the Bank’s long-term commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and building enduring relationships with customers from the very beginning of their financial journey.
Md. Khalid Mahmood Khan, Managing Director & CEO of Southeast Bank PLC. delivered the welcome address. In his speech, he warmly welcomed all distinguished guests, dignitaries, and attendees to the event. He highlighted the significance of launching the country’s first-ever Visa Student Credit Card, noting that the product has been thoughtfully designed with secure structures, controlled credit limits, and strong risk management measures to promote responsible financial behavior among students. He also reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to innovation and youth empowerment, expressing optimism about introducing more technology-driven and customer-focused financial solutions for the younger generation in the future.
The Guest of Honor, Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of North South University, expressed his sincere appreciation for this timely initiative and underscored the importance of fostering stronger collaboration between academia and the banking sector. He remarked that innovative financial solutions, such as student-focused cards, play a crucial role in advancing financial inclusion, nurturing responsible financial habits among young adults, and enabling students to manage their educational and personal expenses more effectively.
The Visa Student Credit Card offers controlled credit limits, dual transaction alerts to both students and their parents or guardians, restricted high-risk transaction categories, and full digital banking access. The product has been developed in strict adherence to Bangladesh Bank guidelines, ensuring robust risk mitigation and responsible lending practices.
The ceremony featured the formal unveiling of the Student Credit Card and a live handover of cards to selected students from several universities, symbolizing the official commencement of a new chapter in youth-focused banking in Bangladesh.
Through this landmark initiative, Southeast Bank PLC reinforces its position as a forward-thinking and customer-centric financial institution, committed to nurturing the next generation and supporting the growth of a digitally empowered and financially inclusive Bangladesh.
