The excess liquidity of five Shariah-based banks, allegedly affiliated with Chattogram’s S Alam Group, reached a negative Tk 3,491 crore in September 2023, according to a Bangladesh Bank report. Islami Bank Bangladesh, Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank reported negative excess liquidity figures.
Challenges, including alleged scams and loan irregularities, led to deposit withdrawals, prompting the Bangladesh Bank to introduce facilities and provide liquidity support to address the crisis. The excess liquidity within the Islamic banking system saw a significant 55.6% decline, raising concerns about liquidity risk and market perceptions. Other Shariah-based banks maintained positive excess liquidity. Total deposits in Islamic banking stood at Tk 4,31,989 crore, with total investments at Tk 4,290 crore in September 2023.