The Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB) has proposed introducing additional fees for customers who withdraw cash from their bank accounts more than three times a month, along with new charges for 14 banking services and higher fees for several existing services.

According to a proposal recently submitted to Bangladesh Bank, customers making more than three cash withdrawals in a month could be charged between Tk 100 and Tk 300 for each additional withdrawal.

ABB has also proposed a Tk 500 fee for reactivating dormant bank accounts and recommended increasing loan processing fees to nearly four times the current level. Sources said the bankers’ body has suggested introducing new charges for 14 banking services.

Bangladesh Bank, however, has taken a cautious stance. The central bank said it would not approve any measure that places an unreasonable financial burden on customers and instead advised banks to improve service quality and expand lending to boost income.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said imposing excessive fees could discourage people from using banking services and that any such proposal would be carefully reviewed before a decision is made.

Banks, on the other hand, argued that service charges are a common international practice and that the proposals reflect rising operational costs.

Many customers have expressed concern over the proposed fee increases, saying banks should prioritize ensuring the safety of deposits and guaranteeing smooth access to their money when needed, rather than raising service charges.