Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman has assured depositors of Islami Bank that their funds are safe and accessible, promising that new regulatory tools will be applied within days to stabilize the situation. Speaking at a post-budget press conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Friday, he urged depositors to remain patient and dismissed allegations of illegal central bank interference in the bank’s operations.

Rahman explained that a board member of Islami Bank was replaced in March following misconduct allegations, and a new chairman was appointed after the previous one resigned before Eid. He noted attempts to destabilize the bank since then. The governor expressed concern over the bank’s investment ratio, which rose from about 93 percent in July 2024 to nearly 97.9 percent in March, exceeding the regulatory limit of 92 percent. He confirmed that central bank support would be provided if necessary.

Rahman also highlighted broader banking sector reforms, revealing that special measures will begin within one to two weeks to help depositors recover funds from several troubled non-bank financial institutions.