Southeast Bank PLC and Visa recently organised a "Hajj Card Conference" at the FARS Hotel & Resorts in the capital's Purana Paltan, aimed at strengthening partnerships with owners and representatives of Hajj and Umrah agencies and exploring opportunities to enhance the quality of services for pilgrims.

Nuruddin Md Sadeque Hossain, managing director of the bank, presided over the conference as the chief guest, said a press release.

Hossain said, "This conference serves as an important platform for strengthening relationships with Hajj and Umrah agencies."

He also acknowledged the remarkable contributions of these agencies in enhancing pilgrim services and reaffirmed the bank's commitment to working closely with them.

"Southeast Bank's Hajj Card will serve as an effective and reliable solution in modernising banking services for Hajj and Umrah operations, ensuring seamless financial transactions for the honoured guests of the Almighty – the pilgrims – by catering to their evolving and dynamic needs," he added.

Sabbir Ahmed, country manager for Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan at Visa, attended the event, where leaders from renowned Hajj agencies and key stakeholders participated, fostering meaningful discussions and collaboration.

"We are delighted to introduce the Hajj Card with Southeast Bank for pilgrims and agents travelling for Hajj and Umrah, giving them the unparalleled convenience and simplicity of using cards to pay everywhere, for everything," said Ahmed.

"Backed by the Visa promise of secure payments, this offering enhances the overall Hajj experience throughout the sacred journey with smooth and safe payments for all users," he added.

During the conference, Hossain handed over the "Hajj Card" to Zafor Iqbal Khan, proprietor of IBM Travels, Zahid Alam, proprietor of Bangladesh Air Travels, and Junayed Gulzer, proprietor of Zabel E Nur Travels.

With this card, users can withdraw Saudi Riyals from any ATM booth in Saudi Arabia without any additional fees or charges, ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Additionally, Moallims can conveniently use this card to pay for hotel accommodations, transportation, food, and other essential expenses.

Offering secure and hassle-free transactions, the card ensures financial convenience and peace of mind for both pilgrims and Moallims.

Among others, Abidur Rahman Chowdhury and Masum Uddin Khan, deputy managing directors of the bank, along with senior executives from the bank and Visa, were also present.