Sammilito Islami Bank resumes leaving, relief for depositors
Sammilito Islami Bank PLC resumed normal banking operations for individual account holders on Tuesday, allowing customers to apply for withdrawal of their principal deposits, with payments scheduled to begin from September 7.
The resumption of operations has brought relief to many depositors who have been facing uncertainty over access to their savings following the merger of five financially troubled Islamic banks.
Under a special circular issued by the bank on Monday, individual account holders can withdraw or encash the full principal amount of their deposits in a single transaction.
Branches and sub-branches started accepting withdrawal applications today, while actual payments will begin on September 7 after necessary cash-management preparations are completed.
Talking to BSS, Md Abu Sufian, a depositor at a Sammilito Islami Bank branch in the city, welcomed the decision, saying the withdrawal facility would provide much-needed relief to customers who have been waiting to access their money.
“I’ve been worried about my savings for a long time. The decision to allow withdrawal of the full principal amount is reassuring, and I hope the payment process will be smooth from September 7,” he said.
Irin Sultana, another depositor, said many customers would prefer to keep their money with the bank if normal banking operations and profit payments are ensured.
“We want the bank to regain its strength and provide regular services. If we have confidence that our deposits are safe and accessible, we will have no reason to withdraw all our money,” she said.
Bankers said restoring depositors’ confidence would be the biggest challenge for the newly formed bank.
Mainul Islam, Senior Officer of the Sammilito Islami Bank PLC, said the resumption of operations was an important step toward normalising the banking activitiess.
“The immediate priority should be to ensure that customers receive their money according to the announced schedule. Smooth payment, transparency and regular communication with depositors will be essential to rebuild confidence,” he added.
Another banker said the bank would need careful liquidity management as some depositors might rush to withdraw their savings after the reopening of transactions.
“The bank has to strike a balance between meeting legitimate withdrawal demands and maintaining adequate liquidity for regular banking operations. Proper cash planning and support from the central bank will be important during this transition,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Bank has cancelled the proposed “haircut” on part of the profits of Sammilito Islami Bank depositors for 2024 and 2025. As a result, depositors will be entitled to the full declared profit on their term deposits.
Customers who choose to keep their accounts active will continue to receive profits at the predetermined rates according to the terms and conditions of their agreements.
Those who urgently need money and want to close their term deposits will also be allowed to withdraw the entire principal amount, but they will forfeit any profit on the withdrawn amount.
Sammilito Islami Bank was formed through the merger of EXIM Bank, Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank and Union Bank after the five lenders faced prolonged financial difficulties and deposit repayment problems stemming from various irregularities and alleged fraud.
