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Bangladesh Bank has injected an unprecedented amount of Tk 525 billion (52,500 crore) into 12 financially weak banks by printing new currency, despite maintaining a tightened monetary policy stance.
According to central bank data released on Saturday, this substantial financial assistance is part of the central bank’s broader efforts to stabilise the banking sector, which includes plans to merge several fragile institutions, UNB reports.
Of the total amount, Tk 330 billion (33,000 crore) has been disbursed to 10 banks as ‘demand loans’ to help facilitate the repayment of customer deposits.
An additional Tk 190 billion (19,000 crore) in current account deficits across nine banks has also been converted into demand loans, effectively providing them with a critical financial lifeline.
The banks receiving this support include First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank (SIBL), National Bank, EXIM Bank, Global Islami Bank, Islami Bank Bangladesh, AB Bank, Bangladesh Commerce Bank Ltd (BCBL), Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), Basic Bank, and Padma Bank. Notably, First Security Islami Bank received the largest share, amounting to Tk 142 billion (14,200 crore).
Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur confirmed that five private Islamic banks are slated for merger ‘very soon’, regardless of the forthcoming national elections. “This is an ongoing process, and we expect the next government to continue it,” he said.
The Governor also revealed that liquidity support has already been extended to these banks. Six institutions, identified as weak due to “various irregularities and loan fraud”, are set to be merged by July.
“These banks will temporarily remain under government control,” Dr Mansur explaining, “After which their shares will be transferred to public and international strategic investors, following reorganisation.”