Bangladesh National Bank restores withdrawals as customers return to branches

National Bank customers in Bangladesh resumed withdrawing money Thursday as the lender restored banking services, The Business Standard reported after visiting three Dhaka branches.

Reporters observed withdrawals at Motijheel, Dilkusha, and Foreign Exchange branches, with some locations also receiving new business deposits. Bank chairperson Melita Mehjabin said money was being disbursed across the bank’s branches and automated teller machines (ATMs), while asking customers to allow for possible service delays.

The reopening followed liquidity support from state-owned Sonali Bank backed by a Bangladesh Bank guarantee. Central bank conditions prohibit using that support for new loans or repayment of deposits belonging to current or former directors.

The report said applicants with current and savings accounts would receive repayment first, with other customers repaid gradually. Withdrawal applications had been collected Oct. 11-14.