Dhaka, Feb. 10 -- The interim government has moved towards arranging compensation for shareholders affected by the merger of five Shariah-based banks, with Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed indicating that the process will be "complex" and carried out in phases.

Speaking at the Secretariat after a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Purchase on Tuesday, Salehuddin said careful calculation and gradual execution would be required due to "technical challenges".

Asked if affected general shareholders would receive compensation, Salehuddin said: "I have said we will consider this now. The governor has expressed his view. We, however, have said all depositors will definitely be covered. The second matter is the shareholders...