Dhaka, Jan. 5 -- Following recommendations from the Bangladesh Bank-formed task force, the managing directors (MDs) of five banks have been sent on forced leave.

The respective boards of directors of these banks approved the decision.

The information was confirmed by sources at Bangladesh Bank on Sunday.

A senior official of the central bank stated that the managing directors (MDs) of EXIM Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank and ICB Islami Bank have been sent on forced leave to facilitate international audits.

During a meeting with the chairpersons of the five banks, Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur instructed the removal of the MDs.

Earlier on Saturday, the managing director of First Security Islami Ba...