'Unable to withdraw our own money, we are living in hardship,' say Sammilito Islami Bank depositors
Speakers at the human chain said millions of depositors of five Shariah-based banks in the country have long been living in uncertainty
Sammilito Islami Bank depositors in Chattogram have demanded the return of their deposits, normalisation of banking transactions and cancellation of the proposed "haircut" policy, saying they are unable to withdraw their own money despite facing urgent financial needs.
"We have money in the bank, but we cannot withdraw it when needed. We cannot afford medical treatment and are struggling to bear our children's education expenses. Despite having our hard-earned money deposited, we are living in hardship," they said while describing their sufferings at a human chain in front of the Chattogram Press Club today (8 June).
Speakers at the human chain said millions of depositors of five Shariah-based banks in the country have long been living in uncertainty.
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They said many families have fallen into financial distress as they cannot withdraw their deposited money when needed. Many are struggling to meet treatment, education and daily expenses, they added.
Sharmin Akter, vice-president of the Chattogram committee of affected Sammilito Islami Bank depositors, said, "We are ordinary depositors. We deposited our money legally in banks approved by Bangladesh Bank. But today, we have to stand on the streets for our own money. We cannot pay for our children's education or arrange necessary medical treatment. We do not want this life."
She said the depositors are not demanding the return of all their money at once.
"However, we are demanding the opportunity to withdraw money in phases and the resumption of normal banking transactions," Sharmin added.
She also urged the government to take positive steps for affected depositors in the upcoming national budget.
Jahangir Hossain, general secretary of the Chattogram committee of affected Sammilito Islami Bank depositors, said, "We are not people of movement. Our lives revolve around business, jobs and professional work. We have been forced to take to the streets to get back our own money. This movement is not against the government; it is a movement to realise our rightful demand."
He claimed the depositors' movement has spread to all 64 districts of the country.
"Around 75 lakh customers and their families are affected by this crisis. Many depositors are suffering as they cannot access money needed for medical treatment," he Jahangir.
Speakers said urgent and effective steps are needed to restore confidence in the banking sector.
They demanded cancellation of the proposed haircut policy, normalisation of transactions and announcement of a specific roadmap for returning depositors' money.
