Medical Withdrawal Limit Raised

The Bangladesh Bank has increased the ceiling for cash withdrawals from deposits for severely ill customers of Combined Islamic Bank to a maximum of BDT 1 million, in a move aimed at easing access to urgent medical funds while maintaining tighter regulatory oversight.

Announcing the decision at a press briefing on Tuesday, the central bank’s acting spokesperson said the revised policy would allow eligible customers to access higher amounts for critical healthcare expenses, subject to verification of appropriate medical documentation and supporting evidence. The previous withdrawal ceiling was significantly lower, but has now been revised in response to growing humanitarian considerations and the evolving needs of affected depositors.

Under the new directive, any medical expenditure exceeding the BDT 1 million threshold will require prior special approval from Bangladesh Bank. Such requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the severity of the patient’s condition, authenticity of hospital records, treatment plans, and overall necessity. The central bank emphasised that strict scrutiny will remain in place to prevent misuse of the facility.

The policy also reinforces a structured, phased withdrawal mechanism already in operation for depositors of the institution. This system has been designed to ensure that liquidity pressures on the bank remain manageable while gradually meeting customer obligations. Authorities noted that the staggered repayment approach continues to be supported through government facilitation and coordinated liquidity management measures.

In addition, Bangladesh Bank has confirmed that customers will have direct access to the regulator for lodging complaints. Depositors facing unjustified delays or difficulties in accessing eligible funds may submit grievances for prompt investigation and resolution.

Alongside these customer-focused measures, the bank is undergoing a broader institutional restructuring process following a series of mergers. This includes the rationalisation of branches, consolidation of administrative offices, and closure of redundant rented headquarters in order to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency.

Human resources management is also being reorganised to enhance operational performance, while major upgrades are underway to integrate previously separate banking systems into a unified digital platform. The objective is to provide faster, more seamless and reliable services to customers across all channels.

Industry observers note that although the restructuring process is complex and time-consuming, it is expected to strengthen long-term stability within the banking sector. Both the government and Bangladesh Bank are reportedly prioritising the swift completion of these reforms to restore confidence among depositors.

Summary of Key Directives

Overall, the revised withdrawal framework and ongoing restructuring efforts reflect a coordinated attempt to balance depositor welfare with financial stability. Authorities have urged customers to remain patient as reforms progress, expressing confidence that the measures will ultimately restore trust and strengthen the institution’s long-term operational foundation.