Those who deposited their hard-earned money with National Bank PLC are experiencing difficulties, as they are unable to withdraw cash despite having sufficient funds in their accounts.
After repeatedly visiting various branches without success, four depositors are seeking legal remedy with the High Court to retrieve their legitimate savings.
A writ petition (No. 136er/2026) has been filed under Article 102 of the Constitution in the High Court Division of the Supreme Court.
The petition seeks a rule asking why the failure to allow depositors to withdraw their legitimate money should not be declared illegal and without lawful authority.
According to the writ petition, the applicants presented checks at their respective branches on September 17 to withdraw cash, but branch authorities refused to process the checks or disburse money without providing any clear rationale.
Among the victims, Md Shamim Ahmed, a customer of the National Bank’s Bhaluka branch in Mymensingh, presented a cheque for Tk2,20,000 (cheque No. 4871684) but was turned away empty-handed.
On the same day, Nasima Begum, a customer of the Mirzapur SME branch in Tangail, was unable to withdraw funds despite submitting a check for Tk30,000 (Check No. NSB-K 7236432) from her savings account.
Similarly, Lucky Akhtar from the Mirzapur SME Agriculture branch and Sathi Begum from the Mirzapur branch faced severe distress when attempting to withdraw their money.
After no solid assurances from the bank authorities, the depositors submitted written complaints via email to Bangladesh Bank's Customer Interest Protection Center (CIPC) and the Financial Integrity and Customer Services Department (FICSD), but to no avail.
Struggling to meet daily expenses, the victims were forced to seek the intervention of the High Court to protect their final remaining assets.
Md Shamim Ahmed has been granted power of attorney on behalf of the victims.
Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Maruf-ul-Abed is representing the petitioners in court.