The depositors of Sammlito Islami Bank are set to receive a maximum dividend of 9.5% on their deposits from 2026 onwards, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur announced today. Speaking at a press conference at the central bank’s headquarters, Governor Mansur emphasised that the dividend rate is market-driven and calibrated to maintain competitiveness within the Islamic banking sector.
Addressing concerns over the bank’s recent financial performance, Governor Mansur reassured the public that depositors would still benefit despite previous losses. He confirmed that for the financial years 2024 and 2025, depositors would receive 4%, provided as a government ex gratia payment, due to the adverse performance of the five banks under Sammlito Islami Bank, which faced significant losses during this period. Under Islamic banking principles, depositors are not entitled to profit if the bank incurs losses; however, the ex gratia payment demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting depositors’ interests. The estimated cost of this compensation scheme is approximately BDT 4,500 crore.
Governor Mansur also outlined key features of the bank’s deposit schemes, summarised in the table below:
| Deposit Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Dividend (from 2026) | 9.5% |
| Dividend for 2024–2025 | 4% (government ex gratia) |
| Monthly Deposit Scheme | Dividend payments begin 1 February 2026 |
| Withdrawal Limit | Additional processing time for capital withdrawals exceeding BDT 2 lakh |
| Customer Support | Dedicated hotline for complaints launching next week |
The Governor noted that monthly dividend payments under the new scheme would commence on 1 February 2026. Depositors intending to withdraw amounts exceeding BDT 2 lakh may experience extended processing times due to compliance procedures.
To enhance depositor confidence and ensure swift resolution of grievances, Bangladesh Bank will launch a special hotline next week for complaint registration. Governor Mansur encouraged depositors to utilise this service, which aims to make banking transactions more transparent and efficient.
These measures are expected to restore trust among depositors while aligning the bank’s operations with both Islamic banking principles and market realities. The government’s ex gratia programme underlines the state’s commitment to safeguarding depositor interests, even in the face of institutional losses, reflecting a broader effort to stabilise the Islamic banking sector in Bangladesh.