Islami Bank has failed to maintain its required cash reserve ratio (CRR) with Bangladesh Bank amid growing internal unrest. Following the appointment controversy of former deputy governor Khurshid Alam as the bank’s new chairman, depositors have withdrawn around Tk 4,000 crore. As a result, the bank’s principal account balance at the central bank fell from Tk 7,015 crore to Tk 2,600 crore, prompting a request for Tk 10,000 crore in liquidity support.
According to a senior Islami Bank official, the bank’s principal account remains positive but has fallen below the CRR maintenance threshold. The official confirmed that a formal request for liquidity assistance has been submitted to Bangladesh Bank, though no decision has yet been made. The unrest follows the resignation of former chairman Professor M Zubaydur Rahman on May 24 and the subsequent appointment of Khurshid Alam, which triggered protests by customers and shareholders.
Bangladesh Bank officials have acknowledged receiving the liquidity support request but stated that the matter is still under review.