PHOTO:
DHAKA BANK
STAR BUSINESS DESK
Dhaka Bank PLC, in collaboration with Mastercard, recently launched Bangladesh’s first youth-centric dual currency prepaid card, branded as “Spark”, at an event held at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.
Designed exclusively to empower the country’s young and digitally active generation, the card combines advanced financial features with premium lifestyle benefits, including travel, dining, education, fashion, and technology privileges both at home and abroad.
The card is intended to complement the dynamic lifestyle and global aspirations of young consumers, offering seamless digital payment solutions alongside exclusive benefits and experiences.
Md Mostaque Ahmed, deputy managing director of Dhaka Bank PLC, inaugurated the card, according to a press release.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed said, “We are pleased to join hands with Mastercard to launch ‘Spark’, the first prepaid card exclusively designed for the youth. This reflects Dhaka Bank’s commitment to expanding financial access and enhancing lifestyle convenience for the next generation, both at home and abroad.”
The dual currency functionality ensures that young cardholders can transact smoothly whether at home or overseas. To make everyday spending more rewarding, the card offers up to 5 percent cashback across categories that matter most to the youth, including online streaming platforms, Star Cineplex, food delivery services, and ride-sharing apps.
Recognising the global ambitions of young consumers, the Spark card also provides exclusive discounts on registration fees for international exams such as IELTS, SAT, GMAT, and TOEFL.
The launching ceremony also featured a special panel discussion with student representatives of seven leading private universities on a theme of national significance: “Digital Inclusion for the Youth of Bangladesh”.
Prof Abdur Rab, vice-chancellor of IUBAT; Prof Saiful Islam, vice-chancellor of AIUB; Prof Daniel W Lund, pro-vice-chancellor of IUB; Ahmed Tazmeen, registrar of NSU; and Prof Sarwar Uddin Ahmed, dean of ULAB School of Business, took part in the discussion.
More than 100 students from North South University (NSU), Independent University Bangladesh (IUB), International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), United International University (UIU), American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), BRAC University, and the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) attended the event.
Gautam Aggarwal, president of South Asia at Mastercard; Syed Mohammad Kamal, country manager of Mastercard Bangladesh; Zakia Sultana, director; and HM Mostafizur Rahaman, senior executive vice-president and head of the retail business division at the bank, among others, were also present.
Md Mostaque Ahmed, deputy managing director of Dhaka Bank PLC, and Gautam Aggarwal, president of South Asia at Mastercard, attend the launch of a youth-centric dual currency prepaid card, branded as “Spark”, at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka recently. Syed Mohammad Kamal, country manager of Mastercard Bangladesh, among others, was present.