Sacked Islami Bank employees, customers' forum trade blame after clash leaves 55 injured
Members of both groups were injured in the ensuing clashes, according to claims by both groups.
At least 55 people were injured in a clash between dismissed Islami Bank employees appointed during the tenure of S Alam and members of the Sachetan Grahak Forum (Conscious Customers Forum) outside the bank today (14 September).
Locals said the dismissed employees took up positions outside the bank at around 7:30am, demanding reinstatement. When members of the Sachetan Grahak Forum also gathered there, they were attacked, prompting them to chase the dismissed employees, they added.
Members of both groups were injured in the ensuing clashes, according to claims by both groups.
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The president of the forum, Nurunnabi Manik, said 30 members of the organisation were injured in an attack.
"There is no relationship between the bank and those illegally recruited. They have gathered here as part of a fresh conspiracy against the bank. Today, while we were holding a peaceful sit-in, we were attacked under police protection," he said.
He said five people sustained serious injuries, while another 25 to 30 were injured and returned home after receiving medical treatment.
"Those who carried out the planned attack must be identified. At the same time, they must be brought to justice," he added.
Meanwhile, Shahidul Islam, one of the dismissed employees, claimed that 25 members of their group were attacked.
"We have been staging a sit-in in front of the bank for the second consecutive day. Within 20 minutes of our arrival today, members of the Sachetan Grahak Forum attacked us. Around 20 to 25 people have been admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital," he said.
Mohsin Al Murad, additional deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Motijheel Division, said, "Currently, the dismissed employees are holding a sit-in in front of Bangladesh Bank. As this is a key point installation (KPI), we have asked them to leave the area. Law enforcement agencies are prepared to prevent any disorder."
