Sammilito Islami Bank depositors can withdraw up to Tk10 lakh for medical treatment: BB
Bangladesh Bank Assistant Spokesperson Shahriar Siddiqui said customers who are unable to withdraw the approved amount can report the matter to the central bank
Depositors of Sammilito Islami Bank will be allowed to withdraw up to Tk10 lakh for medical treatment in special cases, the Bangladesh Bank said, as customers continue to face difficulties accessing their funds.
The announcement was made by Bangladesh Bank Assistant Spokesperson Shahriar Siddiqui during an emergency press briefing on Tuesday (7 April).
He said customers suffering from illness would be permitted to withdraw up to Tk10 lakh upon submitting relevant documents.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"If more than this is required, informing the Bangladesh Bank will suffice. However, whether someone is actually ill will be verified," he said, adding that the bank's administrators had already been informed of the decision.
Shahriar also said customers who are unable to withdraw the approved amount can report the matter to the central bank.
Urging depositors to remain patient, he said, "Customers have shown sufficient patience and I urge them to show a bit more patience. Everyone will receive their money. Funds are being released in proportion to the government's deposit support."
He added that the disbursement process had initially begun with a Tk2 lakh withdrawal limit and is being gradually expanded. Steps are also underway to strengthen the bank's management.
When asked about the recruitment of a managing director, Shahriar said, "The recruitment notice for appointing a managing director has been issued, and the process of appointing a chairman is ongoing. Once a decision is provided by the Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh Bank will implement it quickly."
Meanwhile, hundreds of customers of Sammilito Islami Bank staged a protest in front of Bangladesh Bank yesterday, demanding access to their deposits.
Many protesters said they had been unable to withdraw their money for months.
Some said the funds were urgently needed for medical treatment, while others said their deposits represented savings for family needs such as weddings or lifelong savings.
Depositors also opposed the central bank's decision to reduce profit rates for depositors of five merged banks for 2024 and 2025, demanding that the move be withdrawn and that normal banking transactions be restored immediately.
