Tension escalates outside Islami Bank HQ as rival groups stage protests

A tense situation unfolded outside the head office of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC in Motijheel, Dhaka, on Sunday (September 13) morning as two opposing groups staged simultaneous demonstrations.

Members of the Islami Bank Sachetan Grahak Forum and terminated officials of various Islamic banks took up positions in front of Islami Bank Tower around 10:00 AM, triggering high alert in the area.

The Sachetan Grahak Forum held a demonstration demanding that the bank remain free from the influence of the S Alam Group, alongside calls to ensure good governance and safeguard depositors' interests.

Business leaders and clients from various branches joined the rally, delivering speeches and chanting slogans in support of operational transparency.

Concurrently, employees terminated from Islami Bank and other Islamic financial institutions staged a sit-in demanding immediate reinstatement. The sacked workers argued that their dismissals - following Bangladesh Bank directives and certificate verifications after being recruited during the S Alam Group's tenure - were unlawful.

Representatives of the terminated staff stated that nearly 5,000 employees have been facing severe humanitarian hardship since losing their jobs. They declared a single-point demand for unconditional reinstatement alongside full back pay and allowances.

To prevent potential clashes, extra police forces were deployed throughout Motijheel. Law enforcement personnel maintained a vigilant stance at the site, backed by armored vehicles to respond to any deterioration in the law and order situation.

-SA