‘My Mother Is Dying, but I Can’t Withdraw My Money’: Angry Bank Depositors in Chattogram

❐ Chittagong Bureau

‘My mother is dying, I can’t get her treated.’—Md. Alauddin kept sobbing as he said these words and sat down on the chair. At that time, other officials and depositors present in the office tried to console him.

The incident of shouting and protest took place at the zonal office of First Security Islami Bank located in the city’s Halishahar area on Monday, August 24th.

Depositor Md. Alauddin is serving as the Finance Secretary of the ‘Sammilit Islamic Bank Victim Depositors Association, Chittagong’ committee.

He said that he had to bring his mother home from the hospital a few days ago due to illness. Despite having his hard-earned savings in the bank, he is unable to withdraw money for emergency medical needs, which is disrupting medical services.

Like Alauddin, about 100 to 150 aggrieved depositors from various far-flung areas of Chittagong, including Keranihat, Maheshkhali, Patiya and Anwara, gathered at this zonal office today.

The leaders present at the program, held under the banner of the Sammilit Islamic Bank Victim Depositors Association, complained that after visiting various branches in Chittagong over the past 10 to 15 days, they saw the extreme suffering of ordinary customers.

Customers are facing extreme uncooperation from bank officials at various branches when trying to withdraw their savings for emergency medical services, business, and daily expenses.

In today’s program, a delegation led by Association President Md. Abul Kalam Azad, General Secretary Jahangir Hossain, Vice President Sharmin Akhter and Finance Secretary Md. Alauddin held a meeting with the Zonal Office authorities.

The organization’s vice president, Sharmin Akhter, said, “Depositors have been living in inhuman conditions for a long time without being able to withdraw their money. Despite the urgent need, money is not available as per demand. We are demanding that normal banking transactions be ensured immediately.”

According to the association’s claim, the zonal office authorities immediately resolved the problems of about 66 depositors present after lengthy discussions and demands.

In addition, it has been promised that other urgent applications will be sent to the bank’s head office for quick resolution on a priority basis.