A coalition representing thousands of depositors affected by collapsed non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) has rejected reported government bailout terms, demanding full repayment with interest and a legally binding government order by the end of 2026.
The Alliance for Six NBFI Depositors’ Recovery Committee announced their three point demand at a press conference on Saturday.
It demanded a legally binding government order guaranteeing full repayment of deposits with a fixed deadline of 31 December 2026.
It also rejected proposals that limit repayment to only the principal amount, arguing that prolonged delays and inflation have significantly reduced the real value of savings.
In addition, it called for criminal investigations into directors, executives, and defaulting borrowers, along with asset recovery and a public list of those responsible for alleged financial irregularities.
The group also expressed frustration over what it described as a lack of direct communication from regulators following its recent protest outside the Bangladesh Bank.
In a formal statement, the Alliance said neither Bangladesh Bank nor the Ministry of Finance has directly contacted them since a memorandum was submitted on 6 May.
Instead, it said affected depositors have learned about possible repayment discussions through media reports.
“We are only hearing words filtered through the press. No ordinance has been issued. No order has been communicated to us,” said Zafar Ullah Khan, Convenor of the Alliance.
He said, we have been waiting for our repayment since 2019, and we will not accept process language instead of a legal commitment.
The group said recent indications of a possible repayment framework starting in July remain unofficial and unenforceable in the absence of a formal government directive.
Citing data referenced from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the group said depositors have suffered significant real-term losses due to inflation and delayed repayments.
It noted that a Tk 10 lakh deposit made in 2019 would require Tk 16.78 lakh today to retain its purchasing power, arguing that returning only the principal would result in substantial losses.
The Alliance Coordinator Kawsar Hossain Chowdhury said, “Bangladesh Bank’s approval was stamped on these institutions. People trusted that system,”
He remarked that returning only the principal ignores years of financial loss and waiting.
The alliance said that its movement will continue until a formal, legally enforceable government commitment is issued.
