Depositors' forum issues 24-hour ultimatum over Islami Bank board chief removal

The "Islami Bank Conscious Depositors Forum" today (10 June) submitted a memorandum to the finance minister demanding the immediate removal of the bank's current board Chairman, Md Khurshid Alam and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to meet their demands.

The forum warned that if their demands are not met within the deadline, they will convene an emergency central committee meeting tomorrow (11 June) to announce a more intensive countrywide programme.

Speaking to journalists near the National Press Club, the convener of the forum, Professor Nur Un-Nabi, stated that a delegation submitted the memorandum to the Ministry of Finance.

"Our core demands submitted to the ministry include the immediate removal of the illegal chairman of Islami Bank and the recovery of laundered funds from those who systematically looted the institution," Prof Nabi said.

He further added, "If our demands are ignored by today, we will unite the bank's three crore clients to launch a massive mass movement that will compel both the government and the Bangladesh Bank governor to ensure the chairman's removal."

Earlier in the day, as part of their ongoing agitation, which has crossed over a week, protesters marched through the streets before blocking the main thoroughfare connecting Purana Paltan to Gulistan.

The brief blockade caused traffic disruptions in the commercial hub before the leaders instructed the crowds to clear the road following the submission of the memorandum.

The depositors' forum has been demonstrating continuously against the central bank's decision to appoint former deputy governor Khurshid Alam to the top post, alleging that the appointment safeguards the interests of corporate looters rather than general depositors.