Depositors stage sit-in at EXIM Bank in Ctg, demand return of savings

Depositors staged a sit-in in front of an EXIM Bank branch in Chattogram today (11 May), demanding the return of their deposited money.

The demonstration began at around 11am at the branch located in the Enayet Bazar intersection area. Due to the protest, normal banking operations at the branch remained suspended.

The protest was organised at the call of the Chattogram committee of the Sammilito Islami Bank Amanatkari Association.

Protesters started gathering in the Jubilee Road and Enayet Bazar areas in the morning. As the day progressed, they took positions in front of the bank branch and began chanting slogans.

During the demonstration, depositors declared they will not leave the bank premises until their deposited money is returned.

The protesters said they have been suffering severely as they have been unable to withdraw money from the bank for a long period.

With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, they need more money, they said, alleging that the bank authorities are failing to provide customers with the amount of money they require.

The demonstrators raised three key demands to resolve the crisis: immediate return of deposited funds, no “haircut” or deduction from deposits under any circumstances, and restoration of normal banking transactions as quickly as possible.

One of the protesters, Md Monjurul Islam, said the depositors have remained patient for a long time, but no more.

“Our families depend on our savings, yet today we are standing on the streets demanding our own money. Holding back customers’ deposits in the name of bank mergers or any other excuse is completely unacceptable,” he said.

“We are continuing this peaceful sit-in programme and the movement will go on until our demands are met. We urge the authorities concerned to intervene and ensure that our hard-earned money is returned before Eid-ul-Azha,” he added.