Shariah-based bank depositors protest BB officials' remarks, warn of 'suicide programme'

Customers of Sammilito Islami Bank PLC, the combined entity of five merged Shariah-based banks, staged a protest in Chattogram today (6 May), criticising recent remarks by Bangladesh Bank spokesperson and demanding a clear roadmap for the return of their funds.

The protesters also warned of a "suicide programme" if their demands are not met.

Protesters alleged that central bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan made irresponsible comments questioning their movement instead of outlining a plan to return deposits, which has further increased frustration among affected customers.

From around 9:30am, affected depositors of shariah-based banks began assembling in groups at the New Market intersection.

At about 10:30am, when they attempted to march towards Bangladesh Bank with banners and festoons, police blocked their movement citing security concerns.

Later, police allowed them to hold a sit-in in front of the Bangladesh Bank office under supervision.

The demonstrators staged a peaceful protest for about an hour, raising slogans in support of their demands.

At the end of the programme, a delegation submitted a memorandum to Bangladesh Bank.

They called for an immediate, time-bound roadmap for returning deposits, withdrawal of the spokesperson's remarks, and a public apology.

They also urged authorities to refrain from making similar statements in future.

Speaking after submitting the memorandum, a representative of the protesters, Md Monjurul Islam, said, "Banks operate with our hard-earned money, yet we cannot withdraw that money when we need it. We are financially devastated, socially humiliated, and mentally broken."

He added, "If the demands are not met, we will be forced to announce tougher programmes. If necessary, we will take up programmes like committing suicide at the bank. Because no other path remains open to us."

Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Aftab Uddin said adequate police had been deployed as Bangladesh Bank is a vital economic installation. 

He said a small number of representatives were allowed to submit their demands, and the overall situation remained peaceful.

Earlier, on Monday (4 May), customers of several banks held a protest in the Agrabad commercial area of the city, demanding cancellation of the proposed "haircut" on deposits and the return of their money.

During that programme, protesters gathered at the Agrabad intersection and locked the gates of five bank branches – Exim Bank, Union Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Social Islami Bank – temporarily disrupting banking operations.

Depositors said they have been facing severe difficulties for a long time in withdrawing their savings, leading to personal and family crises.

They demanded the cancellation of the "haircut on deposits", restoration of normal banking services, and assurance of full repayment of deposits. They warned that if their demands remain unmet, they will expand their movement further.

The same day, Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said customers may protest their demands peacefully and within the law, adding, "It is not acceptable under any circumstances to disrupt activities by locking the gates of bank branches."

He also said the central bank is investigating whether there is an attempt to create chaos to protect the interests of a particular political group under the guise of customer demands.