Tensions erupted in Chattogram on Monday as depositors of several banks scheduled for merger under Sammilito Islami Bank PLC locked multiple branch gates and staged demonstrations demanding reversal of a decision to reduce or withhold profits on their deposits.
The protest centred on five banks - EXIM Bank, Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank -which are undergoing consolidation. Collectively, these institutions reportedly hold around Tk1.31 lakh crore in deposits belonging to nearly 77 lakh account holders.
Earlier in the day, angry customers gathered in Agrabad area, where they formed a human chain in front of the World Trade Centre before marching along Agrabad Access Road. They later locked the entrances of branches belonging to EXIM Bank, First Security Islami Bank, and Social Islami Bank.
The demonstrators also targeted the regional office of the newly formed unified banking entity, briefly locking it and causing disruption for staff inside. Police were deployed to the area, particularly around the office located on the ground floor of the building, and later confirmed that the situation was brought under control without any major incident. The locks were subsequently removed.
Protesters strongly opposed what they described as a “profit haircut” policy and demanded full assurance of the safety and return of their deposited money.
They also called for normal banking operations to resume immediately and for withdrawal restrictions to be lifted.
Several depositors expressed personal hardship, saying they were unable to access their savings even during urgent needs such as upcoming Eid-ul-Azha expenses.
Many said they feared they would not be able to perform religious obligations due to blocked funds.
On 14 January, Bangladesh Bank had initially suspended profit payments for a period covering 2024-2025, but later revised the decision to allow a 4 per cent return on eligible deposits.
