Five merging banks: Depositors withdraw Tk107cr in two days

Staff Reporter :

Depositors withdrew Tk 107 crore from five Islamic banks undergoing merger over the past two days, even as fresh deposits worth Tk 44 crore were made during the same period, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur said on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference at the central bank, the governor said the situation remained stable despite initial fears of heavy withdrawals following the government’s announcement of stabilisation measures.

“A total of 13,314 transactions were recorded over the last two days, resulting in withdrawals of Tk 107 crore. This figure is significantly lower than what we had anticipated,” Mansur said.

Among the five banks, EXIM Bank experienced the highest volume of withdrawals, amounting to Tk 66 crore, according to Bangladesh Bank data.

However, the governor noted that depositor confidence had not fully waned, as Tk 44 crore in new deposits was mobilised during the same period.

Reassuring customers, Mansur said all deposits were fully secure and there was no cause for panic. “Those who place new deposits will be able to withdraw their money at any time,” he added.

The press conference also announced that the newly formed Sommilito Islami Bank will be inaugurated on January 19.

Meanwhile, the five merging banks will be subjected to further forensic audits to identify officials involved in irregularities, the governor said.