Customers of the newly consolidated Combined Islamic Bank will now be permitted to withdraw up to BDT 1 million (10 lakh) for urgent medical treatment, following updated guidance issued by the central authorities. The decision aims to ease pressure on depositors facing serious health-related financial needs amid the ongoing restructuring of the banking entity.
According to a briefing held on Tuesday (7 April), the acting spokesperson of the central bank, Shahriar Siddique, confirmed that eligible customers suffering from illness will be allowed to access funds from their accounts upon submission of appropriate medical documentation. The directive has been communicated to the administrators of the bank by the central authority.
The spokesperson further clarified that any request exceeding the BDT 1 million threshold will require prior approval from the central bank. Verification procedures will also be carried out to ensure that claims of illness are genuine, in order to prevent misuse of the facility. Customers who encounter difficulties in withdrawing their funds have been advised to lodge complaints directly with the central authority for prompt review.
Officials noted that depositors have already demonstrated considerable patience during the restructuring phase, and they have been urged to continue cooperating as the process progresses. Disbursement of funds is being conducted in stages, in line with liquidity support provided by the government. Earlier, withdrawals had been limited to BDT 200,000 per customer as an initial measure.
A wider institutional overhaul is also underway following the merger of five banks into the Combined Islamic Bank structure. This includes administrative consolidation, workforce rationalisation, and operational integration. Multiple branches are being merged where necessary to improve efficiency, while redundant leased head offices are gradually being phased out.
In addition, work is ongoing to unify disparate core banking software systems into a single integrated digital platform. This transition is being managed by technical specialists to ensure continuity of services and improved long-term efficiency. Human resource restructuring is also being planned to optimise staffing levels across the merged institution.
The appointment process for senior leadership positions is also in progress. The post of Managing Director has been advertised, while the selection of a Chairman is under consideration. The central bank indicated that once approval is received from the Ministry of Finance, further administrative steps will be implemented without delay.
Withdrawal Guidelines Overview
| Category | Withdrawal Limit | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Initial emergency withdrawal | BDT 200,000 | General depositor access during restructuring |
| Medical emergency withdrawal | Up to BDT 1,000,000 | Valid medical documents required |
| Above medical limit | Case-by-case approval | Requires central bank authorisation |
Authorities emphasised that while the restructuring process is complex and time-consuming, efforts are being made by the government and the central bank to complete it as quickly as possible. Depositors have once again been urged to remain patient as the system stabilises and reforms take effect.