Depositors of troubled banks will get back money with interest: Khosru

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury assured parliament that depositors of the country's troubled banks would receive their deposits along with the interests, ruling out any possibility of a "haircut", while acknowledging that the process would take time because the banks are suffering from mounting losses.

Responding to a call attention notice on important public matter under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure placed by treasury bench lawmaker Rehana Akhter Ranu (women seat-4) in the House, the finance minister said the government has already put in place a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to restore stability in the financial sector, safeguard depositors' interests and recover money siphoned off through banking irregularities.

"There will be no haircut. Depositors will get back their money and interest. I can assure you of that," he told the House on Wednesday.
Requesting depositors to remain patient, the minister said the financial condition of the affected banks makes an immediate settlement difficult.

"Please have a little patience. These banks are all operating at losses, and the losses are increasing every day. When a bank cannot even return deposits, you can understand how difficult it is for that bank to pay interest," he said.

The minister, however, reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting depositors.

"Nevertheless, as an elected government, we are committed to protecting the interests of the people. We will definitely ensure that depositors receive both their deposits and the interest. But, this requires some time," he added.

Highlighting the human suffering caused by the banking crisis, the minister said many depositors are facing severe financial hardship.
"I know people do not have time to wait. Some are dying because they cannot afford medical treatment. Some cannot arrange their daughters' marriages. I encounter these problems every day," he said.

The resolution of the crisis would require medium- and long-term measures, he said but reiterated that depositors' money was secure.
"I can say this with certainty - depositors will get back their money. They will also get the interest. That is guaranteed. But, everyone will have to be a little patient," he said.

Earlier in his reply, the finance minister said the government has enacted the Bank Resolution Act, 2026, creating a well-organised and multi-dimensional resolution framework to restore discipline and stability in the country's financial sector.�" BSS