One Family Withdrew Tk 50,000 Crore from Islami Bank

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H. Mansur has revealed that a single family withdrew nearly Tk 50,000 crore from Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited. He stated that advanced accounting practices, good governance and high-quality auditing are now essential to place the Islamic banking sector on a sustainable foundation.

Speaking as the chief guest at the ‘Bangladesh Islamic Finance Summit 2025’ held yesterday in Banani, the Governor shared this information. He noted that the central bank is formulating a modern Islamic banking law that will incorporate global best practices.

The Governor further said that skilled auditing and strong governance are vital for the sustainable development of the Islamic banking sector. To ensure transparency and accountability, both Islamic and conventional banks must comply with high auditing standards. He remarked that although the Islamic banking sector has recently faced some instability, the sector as a whole remains strong, and depositor confidence has begun to return.

He added that Bangladesh Bank has already taken several steps to restructure and reorganise troubled Islamic banks, and the results have been positive. Citing the example of Islami Bank, the Governor said that despite facing a severe liquidity crisis, the bank has regained stability and achieved the highest deposit growth in the Islamic banking sector this year. He also stated that the central bank has initiated a merger process to safeguard several liquidity-strained Islamic banks. Protecting depositors’ interests remains their top priority, he said.

The Governor further mentioned that they want Islamic banks to strengthen their balance sheets, increase paid-up capital and ensure that responsible and competent individuals serve on their boards. He expressed hope that through planned and well-governed development, the Islamic banking sector in Bangladesh will reach a stronger position. He added that they want the sector to advance sustainably and contribute more significantly to the national economy.

Khaborwala/TSN