, March 5 -- Depositors of five banks currently undergoing a merger staged a protest in front of the Bangladesh Bank main gate today, demanding the return of their full deposits along with accrued interest.

The demonstration escalated when protesters blocked the main road at Shapla Chattar, prompting law enforcement agencies to use water cannons to disperse the crowd and clear the traffic.

The protest centers on the formation of the Sammilito Islami Bank PLC, a new entity being created through the merger of five Shariah-based banks.

The merged banks are-Union Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank and Exim Bank.

The primary grievance involves a controversial decision-often referred to as a "haircut"-t...