Sacked staff, clients clashes leave over 50 hurt

Renewed tensions erupted in the capital’s Dilkusha commercial area on Monday morning as clashes broke out between a section of terminated Islami Bank employees and members of the Islami Bank Sachetana Grahak Forum (Conscious Clients’ Forum), leaving more than 50 people injured, according to those involved.

The confrontation took place in front of the head office of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC around 7:30am, when former employees gathered to press for their reinstatement.

According to eyewitnesses and the terminated workers, the employees, many of whom are from Patiya in Chattogram, had been appointed during the tenure of S Alam Group and were later terminated. They were reportedly seeking reinstatement, claiming that they had been unfairly dismissed.

Tensions escalated after members of the Conscious Clients’ Forum arrived at the spot to hold a demonstration. An exchange of words soon turned into pushing, chasing and physical clashes, with both sides reporting injuries.

Nur Un Nabi Manik, president of the Conscious Clients’ Forum, alleged that the terminated employees had no legitimate connection with the bank and had gathered there as part of a conspiracy against the institution.

“We were observing a peaceful sit-in when our members came under attack under police protection,” he told reporters. He claimed five forum members were critically injured, while another 25 to 30 received treatment and returned home.

Manik demanded that those responsible for what he described as a planned attack be identified and brought to justice.

Shahadul Islam, a former employee speaking on behalf of the terminated workers, however, gave a contrasting account.

“We had been standing peacefully in front of the bank for the second consecutive day to press for our demands. Within 20 minutes of our arrival, members of the Conscious Clients’ Forum attacked us,” he told reporters.

He said police later escorted the former employees away from the scene and claimed that around 20 to 25 of their colleagues had been admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital with injuries.

Police said both groups took up positions in front of Islami Bank Tower around 7:30am and that an argument soon developed into pushing and physical violence. Law enforcers intervened and brought the situation under control.

Mohsin Al Murad, additional deputy commissioner of the Motijheel Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said he was unaware of the morning’s clash when contacted by reporters.

“The terminated employees are currently demonstrating in front of Bangladesh Bank. As it is a Key Point Installation (KPI), we have instructed them to leave the area. Law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to prevent any untoward situation,” he said.

Sakibul Alam Bhuiyan, assistant commissioner of the Motijheel Division, said additional police had been deployed to maintain order.

“Strict legal action will be taken against anyone who attempts to disrupt law and order,” he said.