Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid
Managing Director & CEO
United Commercial Bank (UCB)

The Daily Star (TDS): Could you provide an overview of the current savings situation at your bank?

Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid (MMR): At UCB, we are witnessing sustained interest in savings among our customers. Despite economic fluctuations, public trust in our bank remains strong. Our deposit portfolio continues to grow, fuelled by both individuals and institutions. Customers are shifting from basic transactional accounts to more structured, goal-based savings plans.

This growing trust is evident in the numbers. In just the first 36 working days of 2025, over 100,000 new accounts were opened across branches, agent outlets, and digital platforms. In February alone, we saw a net deposit growth of BDT 13.32 billion, which rose to BDT 23.6 billion in March.

TDS: What are the top savings schemes that you are currently offering?

MMR: UCB offers a wide array of savings products designed to serve diverse customer needs. The UCB Shomota Savings Account provides low-cost access for the unbanked, while the AYMA Savings Account empowers women across all segments with attractive rates and special privileges. For affluent clients, the Dynamic Benefit and Imperial Savings Accounts offer enhanced returns and premium services. The UCB Swadhin Account supports freelancers and service exporters in managing foreign income, while the NRB Savings Account caters to non-resident Bangladeshis. Our Monthly Savings Scheme (DPS) encourages disciplined saving, and Fixed Deposits (FDs) deliver higher returns through structured, long-term commitments.

TDS: What initiatives have your bank taken to encourage savings habits among the general public?

MMR: At UCB, we believe financial inclusion begins with the habit of saving. We are actively promoting savings across all demographics through school programmes, community outreach, and digital content aimed at building early awareness. Our agent banking network extends secure savings options to rural and underserved communities. Innovation drives our approach—customers can now open accounts within minutes via the UCBL Digital App, while biometric agent banking allows account access using only a fingerprint. Goal-based schemes such as the Millionaire products help customers save for specific life goals. Whether a student or a retiree, our inclusive solutions empower all to save confidently.

TDS: What innovative steps have been implemented to make savings products more convenient and accessible for all kinds of customers?

MMR: Digital adoption plays a vital role in UCB's ongoing transformation. A significant volume of customer activity is now conducted digitally, including account openings, term and recurring deposit setups, e-commerce transactions, POS and ATM/CRM usage, fund transfers, and bill payments. This growing engagement reflects increasing comfort with technology-driven financial services. Customers now view UCB not merely as a bank, but as a trusted financial partner. Despite recent sectoral changes, UCB remains financially robust. Following the restructuring of our Board under the interim government, we have maintained stability and achieved growth—without any financial support from Bangladesh Bank—thanks to strong fundamentals and strategic foresight.

TDS: What are your future plans regarding the enhancement and expansion of savings products?

MMR: Our future roadmap focuses on personalisation, digital-first experiences, and social responsibility. We will soon launch AI-powered tools that analyse customer behaviour and recommend personalised savings strategies. In support of sustainability, we are developing green savings products to encourage paperless, eco-friendly banking. We also aim to integrate savings, investment, and insurance into a unified platform for comprehensive financial management.