Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr. Ahsan H Mansur stated on Monday that the central bank is focusing on taking legal action against individuals, not companies like S Alam Group and Beximco, as these entities are considered national assets.

"Legal action will be taken against the chairman and officials of S Alam Group for their alleged involvement in banking sector crimes," he said during a press conference at the BB headquarters in Dhaka.

Mansur clarified that BB has no plans to shut down major companies such as S Alam Group and Beximco, acknowledging their significant role in the national economy.

Newly-appointed Islami Bank Chairman Md Obayed Ullah Al Masud, who also spoke at the conference, revealed that Islami Bank currently faces a gap of Tk 20,000 crore between its investments and deposits. To address this shortfall, he said the bank would sell shares held by the S Alam Group and issue new shares.

Masud further explained that S Alam Group holds shares worth Tk 1,600 crore at face value, with a market value nearing Tk 10,000 crore. The remaining Tk 10,000 crore gap will be filled by issuing new shares, he added.

In efforts to bolster the bank’s finances, Masud mentioned that Islami Bank would approach former foreign investors, including the IFC and Saudi Arabia’s Al Rajhi Group, to invite them back as investors by January.

Governor Mansur emphasized that the return of foreign investors would enhance Islami Bank’s credibility and financial stability.