The process of returning depositors’ money at Sammilito Islami Bank has begun, with customers who applied for withdrawals on 1 September starting to receive their funds from Monday.

Customers who submitted applications on subsequent days, however, are required to wait until their respective scheduled dates to withdraw their money.

The situation was observed during visits to several branches of Sammilito Islami Bank in the capital this morning. Bank officials said adequate funds had been supplied to branches based on customer demand.

They added that some customers were also being allowed to withdraw money ahead of schedule in cases of urgent need.

At the Nayapaltan branch, formerly Global Islami Bank, customer Sharmin Jahan came to withdraw money. She had applied for a withdrawal on 3 September but urgently needed Tk20,000 because her child was ill.

After informing the branch manager of her situation, she was allowed to withdraw the money.

“I applied to withdraw the money on 3 September. According to the rules, I was supposed to receive it after another two days. But my child was ill and I urgently needed Tk20,000. When I informed the branch manager, he allowed me to withdraw the amount. I received the emergency money as soon as I came to the bank,” Sharmin said.

Another customer, Didar, also came to the branch to withdraw money but was asked to wait until his scheduled date. He said he had previously visited the bank several times to withdraw money but had been forced to return without receiving it.

“This time, I learned that those who applied on 1 September are mainly receiving their money today. My application was submitted on 3 September, so I have to wait another two days. However, seeing other customers withdraw their money today has reassured me. I hope I will receive my money on the scheduled date,” Didar said.

A Sammilito Islami Bank official said customers who applied on 1 September were undergoing verification of their loan-related information before their deposits were returned.

An official app is being used to check whether a customer has any defaulted loans with any of the five banks that were merged to form Sammilito Islami Bank, the official said.

“Customers’ National Identity Card numbers are being used to check through the system whether they have any defaulted loans. If a customer is identified as a defaulter or loan information is found, the matter will be reported to the relevant authorities. A decision on whether the customer can withdraw the money will then be taken in accordance with the rules,” the official said.

Another bank official said customers without defaulted loans would be able to withdraw their money according to the applicable procedures. The entire process is being supervised by Bangladesh Bank, the official added.

The official also urged depositors not to panic and to keep their money in the bank, saying the government had now taken responsibility for the institution and Bangladesh Bank was overseeing the entire process.

“As a result, depositors should not face any problems regarding their funds,” the official said.