According to Bangladesh Bank and related sources, the President applied to Bangladesh Bank through Global Islami Bank's Gulshan Corporate Branch in late May. In the application, he sought permission to withdraw Tk 30 lakh from his account for medical and family expenses. Later, on June 16, the central bank allowed him to withdraw Tk 20 lakh.
Bangladesh Bank has set withdrawal limits for depositors of the five merged banks under the Bank Resolution Scheme. Under this arrangement, a depositor can withdraw a maximum of Tk 2 lakh at a time. Thereafter, those with deposits exceeding Tk 2 lakh can withdraw a maximum of Tk 1 lakh every three months.
However, in cases of serious illness, there is a provision to withdraw up to Tk 10 lakh per month under special consideration. Although many depositors have complained that they are not getting this special facility despite having the need.
Confirming the matter, Bangladesh Bank's Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said, President Md. Sahabuddin had applied through Global Islami Bank seeking permission to withdraw money for medical treatment. Although the repayment of deposits is governed under the Bank Resolution Scheme, considering the President's constitutional status and special circumstances, he has been allowed to withdraw Tk 20 lakh.
He further said, there is a provision for special arrangements for depositors suffering from complex diseases. In exceptional circumstances, similar special permissions have been given to a few depositors before.