The BASIC Bank and National Bank are experiencing a surge in withdrawals amid reports of impending mergers with private banks. BASIC Bank’s deposits dropped from Tk 15,935 crore to around Tk 12,000 crore, with Tk 2,000 crore withdrawn in a few days. Concerns about merging with private entities led to withdrawals, impacting government deposits. BASIC Bank’s troubled history, including embezzlement allegations and high bad loans, exacerbates the situation.
National Bank faces similar challenges, with clients rushing to withdraw funds amidst financial irregularities. Bangladesh Bank’s merger decisions have sparked fear among stakeholders. Experts stress the need for central bank and government support to safeguard depositors’ interests during mergers. City Bank’s MD suggests restructuring weak banks before merging to alleviate concerns.