The government has decided to repeal the controversial Section 18(a) of the Bank Resolution Act-2026, eliminating any possibility of former owners regaining control of resolved banks.
The decision reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting depositors, recovering laundered assets and strengthening financial sector reforms.
"Based on the opinions of various stakeholders, the government has decided to repeal Section 18(a) of the Bank Resolution Act, 2026," the minister said.
He reiterated that the government's position against financial irregularities remained unchanged.
"Our message is clear -- those who looted public assets will not be spared. At the same time, depositors' interests and the safety of their deposits will be fully protected," he said. Section 18(a) had sparked widespread criticism after the law was enacted amid concerns that it could allow former sponsors or owners of resolved banks to reclaim ownership under certain conditions. Its repeal effectively removes that possibility.
The finance minister also sought to reassure the public over financial sector reforms, saying the government remained committed to recovering laundered assets and safeguarding depositors' money.
As of May 2026, assets worth around Tk 723.43 billion had been seized or frozen at home and abroad in connection with 11 priority cases involving financial crimes, he said.
To recover laundered assets from overseas, Bangladesh has sent 23 Mutual Legal Assistance Requests (MLARs) to authorities in 13 countries. Two Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) with Malaysia and Hong Kong have also been finalised.
The government has also initiated the first phase of civil proceedings against six major borrower groups linked to the priority cases, while more than 15 affected banks have signed over 60 non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with international asset recovery firms.
Reassuring depositors of the five merged Shariah-based banks, Mr Khosru said protecting public deposits remained the government's highest priority. Individual depositors will be able to withdraw up to Tk 200,000 immediately from their current and savings accounts, while the remaining balances will be repaid in phases.
Special arrangements have also been made for depositors undergoing costly treatments, including dialysis and cancer care, as well as Hajj savings account holders.
DPS account holders will likewise be allowed to withdraw up to Tk 200,000 immediately, with the remaining balance to be paid according to schedule.
Highlighting broader financial sector reforms, the finance minister said Bangladesh needs a deeper and more efficient capital market to mobilise long-term financing and sustain economic growth.
"A strong economy requires greater access to long-term financing for investment. That is why we have started working to make the capital market more transparent, accountable and investor-friendly," he said.
He added that the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) had already been restructured as part of the government's deregulation agenda, while the existing legal framework was being reviewed to introduce further reforms.
The minister said Bangladesh is transitioning from a debt-driven economy to an investment-led one, with private enterprise, innovation and employment becoming the main drivers of growth.
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