Officials of Islami Bank observed a one-hour pen break on Thursday (June 4) in response to a call from the Conscious Customer Forum.
However, the bank's Acting Managing Director, Altaf Hossain, told reporters at the bank's head office that no such instruction had been issued by the management.
"There is no such instruction from our side. Action will be taken against anyone who does not provide service," he said.
He added, "If customers do not come to take service, it is not possible for us to provide it. Our officers are ready to serve customers. It is not possible to know what is happening at every branch while sitting here."
According to sources, the Conscious Customer Forum organised a protest march in the capital on Wednesday (June 3), demanding the resignation of Islami Bank's chairman. During the programme, the forum called on bank officials to observe a one-hour pen break on Thursday.
Responding to the call, officials at several branches of Islami Bank reportedly observed the pen break. However, no official agreed to speak to the media directly on the matter.
When asked what would happen if customers withdrew all their money from the bank in a single day due to the ongoing movement, the Acting Managing Director said, "If customers withdraw all their money from a bank in one day, the bank will close. However, this never happens. There is some pressure on withdrawals for various reasons, including the movement, but it remains within a tolerable level, although higher than usual. So far, there is no reason for panic."
Meanwhile, a human chain was held in Anwara, Chattogram, on Thursday (June 4), demanding the removal of the chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, the protection of customers' deposits, and the safeguarding of customers' interests.
The programme was organised by the Islami Bank Conscious Customer Forum, Anwara Upazila, in front of the bank's Chaturi Chaumuhani branch at 11:00 am.
Participants in the human chain expressed concern over the bank's current situation and demanded assurances regarding the security of customers' deposits. They also called for a boycott of S Alam Group and its affiliated businesses. In addition, protesters condemned the alleged police attacks on customers.
Local customers, conscious citizens, and people from various professions took part in the programme. The organisers also announced that peaceful demonstrations would continue until their demands were met.
