Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced plans to merge five struggling banks into a single new entity with Tk 35,000 crore in paid-up capital, aiming to strengthen the country’s financial sector. Speaking at the Fourth Bangladesh Economic Conference in Dhaka, he highlighted progress in macroeconomic stability, foreign exchange management, and governance reforms despite structural challenges. Mansur noted that the exchange rate has remained stable between Tk 120 and Tk 122.50 per US dollar, and foreign banks have resumed normal operations. He identified high non-performing loans—potentially reaching 35%—as a major challenge that could take up to a decade to resolve. The governor also outlined reforms including greater central bank autonomy, stronger deposit insurance, and limits on family ownership in banks. He urged businesses to utilize the bond market for long-term financing and confirmed that nine non-bank financial institutions are being phased out.