Bangladesh’s National Bank plans full services Oct. 15

Bangladesh’s National Bank plans to resume full banking services Oct. 15 after prolonged liquidity shortages restricted customers’ access to deposits.

The bank will begin accepting applications from high-value depositors Oct. 11, chairman Melita Mehjabeen said. She said branches and automated teller machines would have sufficient liquidity from Oct. 15, allowing customers to withdraw deposits according to their needs.

Mehjabeen and acting managing director Zahidul Haque met Bangladesh Bank governor Mostaqur Rahman on Oct. 8. The governor reviewed withdrawal problems and directed officials to protect depositors’ interests and restore confidence.

The bank plans to have 221 branches, 65 subbranches, and 53 automated teller machines ready for full operations. Mehjabeen attributed longstanding service restrictions to irregularities and poor governance. Four depositors approached the High Court last month seeking access to their savings.