Bangladesh Bank has decided to merge five struggling private banks, including EXIM, after previous bailout measures failed to revive them. Analysts, however, remain skeptical about the move.

Earlier, around Tk 270 billion was injected into these banks, but they failed to recover. The planned merger may require Tk 350 billion, of which Tk 200 billion will be sought from the government. The remaining amount is expected from the Deposit Insurance Fund, IMF, and World Bank.

Before the merger, all existing shares of the banks will be nullified, and small depositors will be repaid. According to Bangladesh Bank officials, shares of the merged entity will be adjusted based on average market value.

Economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed indicated that other banks under special monitoring might also face similar measures. However, financial sector analysts argue that instead of mergers, banks should be given time with recovery plans, and if they fail, they should be shut down.

According to Bangladesh Bank data, between September last year and May this year, deposits in these five banks dropped by Tk 220.6 billion, while non-performing loans surged to Tk 1.47 trillion—77% of their total loans.

Abdul Motaleb, a resident of Paragaon village in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka, has turned Saudi Arabian date farming experience into a thriving business back home. After working in date plantations in Saudi Arabia between 1998 and 2001, he returned with 35 kg of high-quality seeds. Starting with 275 saplings on 70 decimals of land, he now owns a 7-bigha orchard with over 3,000 trees.

His farm produces premium varieties like Ajwa, Sukkari, Amber, Lipjell, and Mariyum, selling at prices ranging from Tk 600 to Tk 4,500 per kg. Seedlings sell for Tk 500 to Tk 200,000 each. Motaleb claims an annual income exceeding Tk 5 million.

Over 18 years, he refined his plantation to retain only female trees for higher yields. Alongside his son Mizanur Rahman, he has launched a new 8-bigha farm with 8,000 trees aimed at producing date molasses. They have also developed a new crossbreed variety capable of producing abundant sap.

Motaleb’s success has inspired others, including Afaz Pathan, who now manages 10 acres of date farms earning Tk 2–3 million annually. Local agricultural officials say dates are low-maintenance, but government incentives could boost cultivation. During a recent visit, Divisional Commissioner Mokhter Ahmed announced plans to raise the issue of expanding Saudi date cultivation and incentives in the cabinet meeting.

The coastal fish markets of Kuakata, Alipur, and Mohipur are witnessing a surge in hilsa catch as fishing boats return from the Bay of Bengal with large hauls. Over the past two days, thousands of maunds of hilsa have been sold in these ports, bringing smiles to the faces of fishermen, boat owners, and traders.

According to local traders, 20–25 tons of hilsa are arriving daily. Although smaller-sized hilsa dominate the catch, prices vary depending on weight: larger fish (around 1 kg) are selling for 65,000–70,000 BDT per maund, while smaller ones fetch around 30,000 BDT.

On Wednesday evening, 20–25 trawlers returned to Alipur-Mohipur after fishing. Among them, FB Jamal landed more than 80 maunds of fish, estimated to be worth 2.4–2.5 million BDT. Other trawlers such as FB Tamanna and FB Mayer Doa also made profitable returns.

Despite the abundance, fishermen noted a shortage of larger hilsa and expressed concern over excessive trawling and use of fine-mesh nets, which they say affect the hilsa population. Fishermen have urged stricter control over trawling to ensure sustainability.

Apu Saha, Senior Fisheries Officer of Kalapara, confirmed the resurgence in hilsa availability and noted that rainfall could further boost the catch. Traders believe current market conditions are benefiting all stakeholders in the coastal fisheries industry.