Islami Bank issues clarification on competency test

Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC has issued a clarification regarding recent media reports on the special competency evaluation test for its officials.

The bank said that following its initiative to arrange a special evaluation test, a few employees filed a writ petition with the High Court. The High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh then directed Bangladesh Bank to resolve the matter.

Bangladesh Bank's Banking Regulation and Policy Department (Division-2) subsequently addressed the issue and informed both the petitioners and Islami Bank authorities. It stated that as a private profit-making institution, Islami Bank's officers and employees are governed by prevailing laws, rules and recruitment conditions of the country. Since the bank's profit and loss are directly linked with the efficiency of its workforce, the bank may independently take such decisions while complying with national laws and regulations. Therefore, the decision to hold a special evaluation test and retain or release employees falls under the bank's jurisdiction.

In line with this, Islami Bank organised the special evaluation test on 27 September 2025 through the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka. The bank stressed that there was no contempt of court or violation of law in this regard.

Islami Bank said it operates as a Shariah-compliant financial institution under all government and regulatory rules. It urged customers and well-wishers not to be misled by propaganda, particularly on social media, spread by individuals who were irregularly appointed to the bank.