Dhaka, Nov. 10 -- The government will make the final decision on the status of shareholders of the five Shariah-based banks proposed for merger, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, Salehuddin said the Bangladesh Bank governor's statement is not final as the government will look into the matter.

Earlier on 5 November, Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur said the equity value of the five banks First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank (SIBL), EXIM Bank, Global Islami Bank and Union Bank had fallen below zero.

As a result, he said, the shareholders would not receive any compensation for their shares. Responding to questions on the matter, Salehuddin said, "We have state...