Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced that five Shariah-based banks will be merged into one before the national election. No employees will lose their jobs, though some branches may be relocated. The decision follows major financial irregularities and high default rates — 76.69% of loans are non-performing. The merger excludes Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, which will remain separate. Legal efforts to recover laundered money abroad are ongoing, with a focus on both court proceedings and out-of-court settlements.