Depositors of six defunct non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs) formed a human chain in the capital on Wednesday, demanding the immediate return of their long-stuck savings.
More than a hundred affected individuals gathered in front of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) head office, many tying black cloths over their faces as a symbolic expression of their prolonged suffering.
Organizers said the demonstration represented around 12,000 depositors whose funds have remained stuck for nearly seven years.
In a written statement, the protesters said they are enduring severe financial uncertainty, mental distress, and a growing humanitarian crisis due to the non-refund of their savings.
Many, they claimed, are suffering from serious illnesses, including cancer, kidney, and heart disease, but are unable to afford treatment.
Some depositors have allegedly died due to lack of medical care.
Eighty-two-year-old Taslim Jaman, one of the protestors, said he joined in solidarity despite having a relatively smaller claim.
“My personal claim is only Tk3.5 lakh. But after witnessing the immense suffering of others, I felt a moral responsibility to stand beside them,” he said.
“I am now over 82 years old, yet I came here hoping that the authorities would take immediate and effective action. Since Bangladesh Bank has spoken about appointing administrators, they must already know how much needs to be repaid and how this crisis can be resolved,” he added.
Warning of worsening conditions, he said: “If this continues, people’s suffering will only deepen. We demand urgent steps to rescue depositors from this crisis.”
Founder of BDjobs AKM Fahim Mashroor said that although legal complexities remain, courts have already allowed liquidation proceedings for the concerned institutions.
He noted that the Bangladesh Bank governor had earlier assured that individual depositors would receive their principal amounts before Eid-ul-Fitr. Later, it was suddenly changed.
“This is not only an economic issue but also a humanitarian one,” he said. “Many elderly people had deposited their life savings for medical treatment, while families are struggling to cover education costs. For some, their entire lifetime savings remain stuck. Prompt and effective measures under Bangladesh Bank’s supervision are essential to protect depositors’ interests.”
Asma Haque, treasurer of the Khaled Mansur Trust, told Dhaka Tribune that approximately Tk9 crore of the trust’s funds have remained stuck for 9 years, severely affecting its ability to support orphaned children.
“Due to financial constraints, the number of beneficiaries has significantly declined,” she said.
Renowned photographer Shahidul Alam also joined the human chain, alongside other participants.
Protesters alleged that Bangladesh Bank, as the country’s financial regulator, bears ultimate responsibility for safeguarding public deposits. However, they expressed frustration over the lack of an effective resolution.
They placed several demands, including the announcement of a clear, realistic, and time-bound roadmap for deposit refunds within the July 2026 deadline set by the governor and prioritizing repayments to individual depositors.
The demonstrators expressed hope that Bangladesh Bank would take swift, effective, and humane action to resolve the long-standing crisis.
