Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 1st January 2026, 9:50 AM
The Bangladesh Bank has announced that customers of five recently merged Islamic banks will be able to start withdrawing their deposits from today. In the first phase, up to BDT 200,000 per depositor will be returned, ensuring that ordinary account holders have access to their funds promptly.
| Bank Name | Type | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| First Security Islami Bank | Islamic | Deposits can be withdrawn immediately up to BDT 200,000 |
| Social Islami Bank | Islamic | Withdrawals for larger deposits will be in instalments |
| Union Bank | Islamic | Current and savings accounts eligible for phased withdrawal |
| Global Islami Bank | Islamic | Special consideration for serious illness cases |
| EXIM Bank | Islamic | Maximum single withdrawal of BDT 200,000 in first phase |
The Bangladesh Bank finalised a detailed deposit return scheme on Tuesday, 30 December, aimed at safeguarding the interests of ordinary depositors while maintaining financial stability within the banking sector.
According to the official notification, depositors with balances of up to BDT 200,000 will have their funds fully protected under the “Deposit Insurance Act” and can withdraw the entire amount at any time. Depositors holding amounts exceeding BDT 200,000 will have their withdrawals disbursed in instalments. Initially, only current and savings accounts will be eligible for withdrawal within the specified timeframe, with the complete repayment expected to take up to 24 months.
Significantly, the scheme includes humanitarian provisions for depositors suffering from serious medical conditions, such as cancer or requiring kidney dialysis. These individuals may access their funds beyond the standard timelines if required for urgent medical treatment, demonstrating a flexible and compassionate approach.
Financial analysts have welcomed the move, noting that it will restore public confidence in the banking system and ensure that depositors’ funds are safe. While the phased repayment protects the interests of both depositors and the banks, the scheme also represents a key step towards transparency and stability in the country’s financial sector.
Depositors are advised to visit their nearest branch to withdraw the initial tranche of up to BDT 200,000. Banks will provide information on subsequent instalments, and customer support channels, including helplines and online services, are available to assist depositors throughout the withdrawal process.
This initiative by Bangladesh Bank is widely regarded as a major confidence-boosting measure, aimed at both safeguarding depositors’ savings and stabilising the operations of the merged banks.
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