B Mirror Report: Bangladesh Bank has announced that depositors of Sammilito Islami Bank will be allowed to ithdraw up to Tk10 lakh in special cases for medical treatment, as customers continue to face difficulties accessing their funds.
The announcement was made on Tuesday (7 April) during an emergency press briefing by Bangladesh Bank Assistant Spokesperson Shahriar Siddiqui.
He said customers suffering from illness can withdraw up to Tk10 lakh upon submitting the required documents. “If more than this amount is needed, informing Bangladesh Bank will be sufficient. However, the authenticity of medical claims will be verified,” he added. The bank’s administrators have already been informed of the decision.
Shahriar Siddiqui also stated that customers who are unable to withdraw the approved amount can report the issue directly to Bangladesh Bank.
Urging depositors to remain patient, he said that although customers have already shown patience, they should continue to do so for a little longer. “Everyone will receive their money. Funds are being released gradually in line with government deposit support,” he said.
He added that the withdrawal limit initially began at Tk2 lakh and is being gradually increased. At the same time, steps are being taken to strengthen the bank’s management. A recruitment notice for appointing a managing director has been issued, and the process of appointing a chairman is ongoing. Once a decision is made by the Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh Bank will implement it quickly.
Meanwhile, hundreds of depositors staged a protest in front of Bangladesh Bank, demanding immediate access to their deposits. Many said they had been unable to withdraw their money for months.
Some protesters said they urgently need funds for medical treatment, while others said their deposits represent 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, and called for its withdrawal along with the immediate restoration of normal banking services.
