New Initiative to Restore Customer Confidence as Sammilito Islami Bank Plans Model Branch in Gulshan

After facing various limitations for an extended period, Sammilito Islami Bank PLC is placing renewed emphasis on restoring normal banking services and rebuilding customer confidence. The bank’s Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Md. Abedur Rahman Sikder, said restoring customers’ trust is currently one of the bank’s key priorities.

In a recent interview, Abedur Rahman Sikder said customers deposit their hard-earned money with banks so that they can access it when needed. Failing to provide that money when customers require it is also distressing for bankers. Therefore, ensuring normal transaction facilities for customers is being given particular importance.

According to the bank, individual savings and current account holders are currently able to deposit and withdraw money according to their needs. Customers can also withdraw the full balance in their accounts if they wish. Arrangements have also been made to ensure regular profit payments for customers holding monthly profit-based accounts.

Customers with fixed deposits, DPS and monthly savings schemes have also been given the option to withdraw their principal deposits if they no longer wish to continue their banking relationship, the MD said.

The bank had expected that many customers would withdraw their entire deposits once normal transactions resumed. However, the actual response has been somewhat different, Abedur Rahman Sikder said.

According to him, many customers have shown interest in keeping their money with the bank while continuing their regular transactions. Some have also indicated that they would prefer to maintain their relationship with the bank if they continue to receive regular profits.

The bank considers the continued support of customers who remained with it during the difficult period a positive sign for its future operations. The MD also said employees have become more confident and motivated as transaction facilities have expanded.

The bank has also received positive feedback from expatriate customers, particularly some customers living in the Middle East, who expressed satisfaction through phone calls and messages, he said.

Many expatriate customers are reportedly interested in continuing their transactions with Sammilito Islami Bank rather than withdrawing their funds. The bank believes that the reduction in uncertainty has brought greater reassurance among such customers.

Abedur Rahman Sikder said one of the main purposes of keeping money in a bank is to be able to use it when necessary. The bank is therefore taking steps to provide customers with necessary funds based on their needs and circumstances.

He said there are currently fewer restrictions on deposits and withdrawals from individual savings and current accounts. Customers can also open new accounts. Those who wish to end their relationship with the bank can withdraw their principal deposits.

Alongside restoring individual banking services, Sammilito Islami Bank is planning to gradually expand its business activities. Retail banking, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the corporate sector are among the bank’s key areas of focus.
Some business customers increased their transactions with other banks due to recent limitations. The bank is now taking initiatives to strengthen those business relationships again.

Abedur Rahman Sikder said the bank would initially focus on strengthening relationships with its existing and trusted customers. It would then focus on attracting new customers.

He expressed hope that once the bank’s operations become fully normal, its substantial capital base could be utilized to expand the scale of its business further.

As part of its plan to provide integrated services to customers, Sammilito Islami Bank is planning to open a model branch in Gulshan, Dhaka, by the end of September. The target is to launch the branch by September 30.
The model branch will operate under the identity of Sammilito Islami Bank, while customers of the five former banks will also be able to receive services there.

Abedur Rahman Sikder said the initiative was taken with the idea of providing customers of the five former banks with services from a single branch. In several areas, multiple branches of the former banks are located close to one another. Depending on operational requirements and future activities, the bank plans to gradually consolidate such branches.

The Gulshan model branch is being considered the first step in that process, with plans to gradually increase the number of similar branches.

The bank also aims to utilize its existing branches, sub-branches, ATM network and employee capabilities to build Sammilito Islami Bank into a strong and modern banking institution.

According to the MD, ensuring quality customer service as well as establishing a disciplined and professional working environment within the bank are among its priorities.

Abedur Rahman Sikder said establishing confidence and discipline in the financial sector can have a positive impact on the broader economy. Expanding banking services can contribute to local economic activity while also bringing people outside the formal banking system into formal financial services.

He expressed his commitment to developing a technology-driven and quality-focused banking institution where customers feel satisfied conducting transactions and employees feel proud to work.

Expressing gratitude to customers who continued to maintain their relationship with the bank during the difficult period, he said their confidence would serve as the foundation for establishing Sammilito Islami Bank as a strong and trusted banking institution.