Dhaka: The Bank Resolution (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Jatiya Sangsad today, aiming to eliminate Section 18(a) of the Bank Resolution Act. This section had faced criticism for potentially enabling former shareholders of banks under resolution to regain control of their shares, assets, and liabilities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the Bank Resolution (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Parliament. The bill has now been forwarded to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Finance for further examination, with a report due within two working days.
The amendment proposes the repeal of Section 18(a) of the Bank Resolution Act. This provision was not part of the original Bank Resolution Ordinance issued by the interim government but was later added when the ordinance was amended and approved during the tenure of the BNP-led government.
Section 18(a) became controversial after the Bank Resolution Act was enacted, as it was believed that this provision could allow former and disputed directors and shareholders of banks undergoing resolution to reclaim ownership. Under this section, previous shareholders could apply to Bangladesh Bank to reacquire shares, assets, and liabilities of a bank in resolution. Additionally, the provision allowed Bangladesh Bank to extend this opportunity to another eligible individual.
Particular attention was drawn to this provision during the merger of five troubled Islamic banks into Sammilito Islami Bank, amid worries about the possible resurgence of former directors and shareholders linked to these banks. Consequently, the government opted to remove the provision due to the criticisms.
In a statement attached to the amendment bill, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury noted that repealing the provision was deemed appropriate since no applications had been made under the stipulated conditions since the law's enactment.
Simultaneously, Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Nazibur Rahman sought permission to introduce a private member's bill to amend the Government Money and Budget Management Act. The finance minister addressed the matter, urging the lawmaker to retract the bill. Nazibur declined to do so, leading to a vote in the House. As the proposal did not garner enough support, permission to introduce the bill was not granted.