Depositors of merged banks to get money back: Finance Minister

The government will gradually return the deposits of customers of the five merged Shariah-based banks, Finance minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury assured on Monday.

Speaking during the discussion on the proposed national budget for the next fiscal year in Parliament, the finance minister said protecting public deposits remains the government's highest priority.

"I want to assure depositors that safeguarding the savings of people is the government's top priority," he said.

He announced that individual depositors of the five merged banks will be able to withdraw up to Tk 200,000 from their current and savings accounts immediately. The remaining balance will be repaid in phases.

The finance minister also said the government has decided to repeal Section 18(a) of the Bank Resolution Act, 2026, following consultations with stakeholders.

"Our message is clear, those who looted public wealth will not be spared, while the security of depositors' funds will be ensured," he added.

TZ