The Bangladesh Capital Market Investors Association (BCMIA) has suspended its planned programme to lay siege to Bangladesh Bank, which was scheduled for Tuesday, demanding compensation for investors affected by the merger of five Shariah-based banks.

In a press release issued on Monday afternoon, the association said it decided to withdraw the programme considering the overall situation in the country and following positive remarks from Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed regarding the shares of the merged banks.

BCMIA also mentioned that it took into account the request from law enforcement agencies and the prevailing security concerns before cancelling the protest programme.

The association further stated that it will not announce any programme until Wednesday, after which its next course of action will be declared.

Last Thursday, BCMIA President Mizanur Rashid had announced the central bank siege programme during a press conference in front of the former Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) building in Motijheel.

At the time, members of the organisation—investors in the five merged banks—warned of intensified protests, including demands for the resignation of Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur and the Finance Adviser if their compensation demands were not met.

Later that night, the central bank issued a circular stating that under the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025, major shareholders of the merged banks would not be eligible for compensation. However, the government could consider compensating small investors if deemed appropriate.

Earlier on November 5, Governor Mansur said no compensation would be given to investors of the merged entities—First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank (SIBL), EXIM Bank, Global Islami Bank and Union Bank—since their shares were in negative equity.

However, on Sunday, Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said the Finance Ministry would review the matter, noting that the governor’s remarks should not be considered final.

Citing the adviser’s assurance, BCMIA decided to withdraw its protest programme.