Depositors of Sammilito Islami Bank will be entitled to a maximum interest rate of 9.5% on their deposits from 2026, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur announced at a press conference held today at the central bank’s headquarters. He emphasised that the bank’s interest rates are market-driven and designed to remain competitive within the Islamic banking sector.
Governor Mansur also addressed concerns regarding the financial performance of Sammilito Islami Bank over the past two years. “For 2024 and 2025, depositors will receive a profit rate of 4%,” he said, explaining that all five banks under the Sammilito umbrella had incurred significant losses during this period. Under Islamic banking principles, depositors are not entitled to profit when a bank is in deficit. However, the government has chosen to provide a 4% ex gratia (onukompa) payment, which is projected to cost approximately Tk 4,500 crore in total.
To provide transparency and facilitate smoother banking operations, Governor Mansur outlined key measures for depositors:
| Deposit Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Interest Rate (from 2026) | 9.5% |
| Profit Rate for 2024–2025 | 4% (government-provided ex gratia) |
| Monthly Deposit Scheme | Monthly profit payments commence 1 February 2026 |
| Withdrawal Limit | Principal withdrawals over Tk 2 lakh may require extended processing time |
| Customer Support | Dedicated hotline to be launched next week for complaints |
He further clarified that the monthly interest payment will apply to the bank’s monthly deposit schemes starting 1 February 2026. However, depositors seeking to withdraw principal amounts exceeding Tk 2 lakh should anticipate a longer processing period.
In an effort to enhance depositor confidence and ensure prompt grievance resolution, Bangladesh Bank will also launch a dedicated hotline next week, allowing depositors to register complaints directly. Governor Mansur urged customers to utilise this facility for a more responsive and transparent banking experience.
With these measures, the central bank aims to stabilise depositor confidence while aligning the bank’s operations with Islamic banking principles and market realities. The government-backed ex gratia scheme underscores the state’s commitment to protecting depositors’ interests despite institutional losses.