Dhaka, Jan. 22 -- Bangladesh Bank has reversed a contentious policy that barred depositors of five recently merged banks from receiving profits for 2024 and 2025, following widespread criticism and ethical concerns.

The central bank's move restores interest payouts, easing tensions among affected account holders.

Under the new decision, depositors will now receive a 4 percent profit rate for those two years. Starting from the current year (2026), market-based profit rates will apply. Currently, the bank has announced a profit rate of approximately 8.5 percent.

The central bank communicated this updated policy via a letter sent to the administrators of the affected banks on Wednesday (January 21).

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