A new Bank Deposit Insurance (Amendment) Bill has been presented in parliament, proposing stricter measures to safeguard depositors’ interests. The bill states that banks and financial institutions (FIs) will be prohibited from accepting deposits if they fail to pay premiums to the Deposit Protection Trust Fund for two consecutive terms. In addition, the bill suggests doubling compensation for depositors in case of bank or FI liquidation.
The proposed law allows the Bangladesh Bank to instruct non-compliant banks and FIs to refrain from taking deposits after a hearing. The bill also introduces fines and interest payments on delayed premium payments. Under the amendment, the Deposit Protection Trust Fund will repay depositors’ dues or a minimum of Tk 2.0 lakh (previously Tk 1.0 lakh) after liquidation. The bill aims to enhance depositor protection and is now with the parliamentary standing committee for review and reporting.