Bangladesh’s five financially weaker Shariah-based banks have joined to form the ‘Combined Islamic Bank’, which is set to begin operations in the first week of December. The announcement was made today, Saturday (November 29, 2025) by Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur at the 4th Bangladesh Economic Conference 2025, organized by Dainik Bonik Barta at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Future Trajectories of the Economy and Political Commitments.” Governor Mansur highlighted that the major economic challenges facing the current government must be deeply understood by the next elected government, as these issues remain “accumulated problems.” He also emphasized that full independence for Bangladesh Bank is essential to ensure good governance in the financial sector.
Speaking at the same session, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, “Printing money and taking loans cannot make the economy sustainable. What is needed is investment, which BNP will prioritize. The capital market has collapsed, putting pressure on banks. Once BNP is in power, we will revive the stock market and ensure equal opportunities for exporters, so that no exporter faces harassment.”
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated, “We need to change our approach towards businessmen—from suspicion to trust. If we don’t trust them, how will they contribute effectively to the country?”
Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed concern over the brain drain, saying, “Talented individuals who were born in our country are using their skills abroad because they lack the right environment here. We need to create conditions so that they return to lead the nation. We fully support bringing back this talent, but society must guarantee their safety and security.”
National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam highlighted that ensuring a peaceful and fair transfer of power through the upcoming national election is currently Bangladesh’s biggest challenge. “Through this transition, national unity and stability will be reinforced, sending a clear message to the world that Bangladesh is returning to a stable path,” he added.
