, Dec. 18 -- The merger of five struggling Shariah-based banks into Sammilito Islami Bank PLC has yet to ease the financial strain on thousands of depositors, with a severe cash fund crisis persisting across branches.

The consolidation, which combined Exim Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and Union Bank, was launched amid high public expectations. Yet depositors continue to struggle to access their savings, highlighting an ongoing liquidity crunch.

Shobnam Begum, a retired Social Welfare Directorate officer, told UNB that she has been unable to withdraw her pension from Exim Bank's Moghbazar branch for three months.

"Despite repeated assurances from the branch manager, I was turned away again th...