Al-Arafah Bank to Suspend Services for Nine Days

Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited (AIBL) has announced that all its banking operations will be temporarily suspended from 30 January to 7 February 2026, a period spanning nine days. The bank has cited a major core banking system (CBS) upgrade as the reason for this temporary closure, aimed at enhancing digital security and delivering more efficient, customer-centric banking services.

According to the bank, this upgrade forms part of a long-term strategic initiative to align its operations with modern digital banking standards while remaining fully compliant with Shariah principles. The initiative has received approval from Bangladesh Bank, highlighting its significance in raising overall service quality and ensuring a robust operational framework.

During this period, all online platforms, including ATMs, mobile banking, and internet banking, will be entirely unavailable. Customers have been strongly advised to plan in advance for any urgent financial transactions to avoid inconvenience.

Branch-based services will also be affected, though the disruption is partially mitigated by the weekend closures (30–31 January) and the public holiday for Shab-e-Barat on 4 February. Limited branch services will resume from 5 February, with full banking operations restored from 8 February onwards.

The following table summarises the service disruption schedule:

AIBL has urged its customers to make prior arrangements for cash withdrawals, fund transfers, and other urgent banking needs. The bank emphasised that following the upgrade, both digital and branch services will become more secure, efficient, and convenient, ensuring a seamless and dependable banking experience.

Bank officials described the upgrade as one of the largest technological transformations in AIBL’s history. The initiative not only enhances operational efficiency but also reinforces the bank’s commitment to Shariah-compliant financial practices, thereby strengthening customer confidence and trust in its services.