Customers Told 7–15 Days Needed for Bank Deposit Transfer

Customers and depositors of the newly established Samhili Islami Bank in Bangladesh may have to wait between seven and fifteen days to access their funds, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur has confirmed. The delay is due to ongoing technical processes necessary to ensure a smooth transfer of deposits directly into customers’ bank accounts.

Governor Mansur made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon after a meeting with Economic Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed at the Secretariat. Earlier in the day, the first board meeting of Samhili Islami Bank’s directors was held at Bangladesh Bank, chaired by the bank’s Chairman, Mohammad Ayub Mia. Other board members were also present, alongside senior officials from Bangladesh Bank and the Ministry of Finance. Following the main meeting, the board of directors held a separate discussion with the Economic Advisor, attended by Governor Mansur.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting with the Economic Advisor, Governor Mansur explained that customers’ deposits would be credited directly to their respective accounts, but the technical work involved might require seven, ten, or fifteen days. “The bank’s accounts have been opened. Twenty thousand crore taka is currently held with Bangladesh Bank. We do not want any confusion about who will receive their money. Our aim is to ensure a seamless transfer of funds to the rightful account holders,” he added. Chairman Mohammad Ayub Mia was present during these remarks.

When questioned by journalists regarding the appointment of the new Managing Director, Ayub Mia said that a number of applications had been submitted and more time remained to finalise the process, describing the selection as a “difficult task.”

Bangladesh Bank issued a statement on Wednesday noting that the board meeting covered the bank’s overall operations, progress, and future planning. Discussions emphasised the financial health of the bank, governance structures, risk management, and improving customer services, with a focus on implementing future action plans. Board members also urged strengthening good governance, increasing transparency, and ensuring operations comply with Islamic banking principles, pledging to enhance the bank’s performance in the national interest.

The board meeting agenda included 17 items, ranging from determining directors’ remuneration, announcing the official opening date, to approving seals, logos, slogans, letterheads, banners, and signage. Like other banks in Bangladesh, Samhili Islami Bank will follow a financial year from January to December. Details such as the official launch date, seal, and logo will be finalised in subsequent board meetings, with directors’ remuneration currently pending.

Key Details – Sammilita Islami Bank Depositor Update