Depositors withdraw Tk 107 crore from five merging banks in two days

Depositors withdrew Tk 107 crore from five merging Islamic banks over the past two days, although fresh deposits worth Tk 44 crore were made during the same period, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur said today.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the central bank, the governor said the situation remained under control despite initial concerns of large-scale withdrawals following the announcement of the government's stabilisation measures.

"A total of 13,314 transactions took place over the last two days, resulting in withdrawals of Tk 107 crore. The volume of withdrawals is much lower than what we had anticipated," he said.

Among the five banks, EXIM Bank recorded the highest withdrawals, amounting to Tk 66 crore, according to the central bank.

Mansur, however, noted that depositor confidence had not eroded entirely, as Tk 44 crore in new deposits was mobilised during the same timeframe.

Reassuring depositors, the governor said all deposits remained fully secure and there was no reason for panic. "Those who place new deposits will be able to withdraw their money at any time," he added.

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

The five banks will further undergo forensic audits to identify officials involved in irregularities.