Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited (AIBL) has announced a temporary suspension of all its banking services for nine consecutive days, from 30 January to 7 February 2026, to implement a major upgrade of its Core Banking System (CBS). The move is intended to bolster digital security and deliver enhanced, modernised banking services to customers.
The bank emphasised that the upgrade is part of a long-term plan to provide more efficient and Shariah-compliant financial services, in line with contemporary digital banking standards. Bangladesh Bank has authorised the planned downtime, recognising its strategic significance for service improvement.
During the suspension period, all online services, including ATM operations, mobile banking, and internet banking, will be entirely unavailable. Customers are therefore strongly advised to complete any urgent transactions before the downtime begins.
Branch operations will also be affected. While the bank remains closed for regular over-the-counter services and cash transactions for a limited period, some branches will resume partial services from 5 February 2026. The overall disruption to branch-based banking is mitigated by the timing of the suspension, as 30–31 January coincides with the weekend and 4 February is a public holiday for Shab-e-Barat, reducing the effective impact on customers.
The following table summarises the bank’s service schedule during the upgrade period:
| Date | Branch Services | Online/ATM Services |
|---|---|---|
| 30–31 Jan 2026 | Closed (Weekend) | Suspended |
| 1–3 Feb 2026 | Closed for cash/over-the-counter | Suspended |
| 4 Feb 2026 | Public holiday – branches closed | Suspended |
| 5–7 Feb 2026 | Limited branch services resume | Suspended |
| 8 Feb 2026 onwards | Full branch & online services resume | Fully operational |
AIBL has urged customers to plan ahead, particularly for cash withdrawals, fund transfers, and other urgent banking needs. The bank stressed that the upgrade will enhance the security, efficiency, and convenience of its digital and branch-based services, ensuring a more robust banking experience for all clients.
This initiative marks one of the most significant technological overhauls in AIBL’s history, signalling the bank’s commitment to modern banking standards while maintaining compliance with Islamic finance principles.