Prominent Islamic scholars, religious leaders, and Islamic thinkers of the country have called on people from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, to unite in safeguarding the nation’s economic stability, Islamic banking system, and the security of public deposits.
They also announced a coordinated citizens’ rally in Dhaka on June 7, demanding the protection of depositors’ funds and the establishment of good governance in the financial sector.
The call was made in a joint statement issued on Friday by leading scholars, academics, and Shariah experts.
The statement noted that the interest-free banking system introduced in Bangladesh more than four decades ago has now become an important pillar of the national economy. Built upon the principles of Islamic economics, the system is closely linked to the trust, savings, and livelihoods of millions of people.
The scholars stated that Islamic banking has made significant contributions to industrialization, employment generation, the development of small and medium enterprises, agricultural financing, remittance inflows, and the expansion of export trade. In particular, Islami Bank Bangladesh, as one of the pioneers and leading institutions in the country’s Islamic banking sector, has played a vital role in the economy.
According to the statement, Islamic banking is not merely a financial structure; rather, it is an alternative economic model founded on ethics, social responsibility, and public welfare.
The statement emphasized that the money deposited in banks is a sacred trust. It is deeply connected to people’s lifelong savings, their children’s education, family security, and future plans.
The scholars observed that ensuring stability, transparency, and good governance in the banking sector--particularly in institutions that serve as the center of public confidence for a large segment of the population-- has become a pressing national necessity.
They stressed that all relevant stakeholders must act responsibly and prudently to maintain public confidence in financial institutions and to give the highest priority to the interests of depositors.
The statement announced that a peaceful human chain and coordinated citizens’ rally will be held in front of the National Press Club at 10:00 a.m. on June 7 (Sunday) to raise public awareness about protecting the country’s economic security and national interests.
Religious scholars, depositors, professionals, businesspeople, teachers, students, and all conscious citizens have been urged to participate in the program and express their solidarity.
Among the distinguished signatories to the joint statement are Shaykh Mawlana Kamaluddin Abdullah Jafri, Principal Mawlana Zainul Abedin, Mawlana Abu Taher Jihadi, Professor Dr. Shamsul Alam, Dr. Mufti Mawlana Khalilur Rahman Madani, Dr. Mawlana Abdus Samad, and Mawlana Mohiuddin Rabbani.
The statement has also received support and solidarity from teachers of the University of Dhaka, principals of various Kamil and Fazil madrasas, and more than a hundred senior leaders from Islamic organizations, including the National Khatib Council, Huffaz Council, National Imam Society, and Qaumi Hafez Council.
