Customers renew protest at Islami Bank, press 7-point demand including board resignation and chairman's removal
Customer representatives alleged that newly appointed chairman Khurshid Alam has links with the controversial S Alam Group, warning that his appointment could risk renewed financial irregularities
Customers under the banner of the "Islami Bank Sacheton Grahok Customers Forum" continued their demonstration for a second consecutive day today (2 June) in front of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC's head office in Dhaka's Dilkusha, demanding sweeping changes in the bank's leadership and governance.
At a press conference held in front of the bank's headquarters, the protesters placed a fresh 7-point demand, which includes:
1. Removal of alleged "illegally appointed" Chairman Md Khurshid Alam
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2. Reinstatement of former Managing Director Omar Faruk Khan
3. No individuals involved in alleged irregularities to be included in the board
4. Repeal of Section 18(A) of the Bank Resolution Act
5. Sale of assets allegedly owned by S Alam Group to recover "looted funds"
6. Ban on S Alam Group from returning to any bank ownership or control
7. Bringing all alleged bank "looters" to justice and ensuring exemplary punishment
The protesters also demanded the resignation of all members of the Islami Bank board.
They further condemned what they described as "political remarks" made by Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan.
Customer representatives alleged that newly appointed chairman Khurshid Alam has links with the controversial S Alam Group, warning that his appointment could risk renewed financial irregularities.
The demonstration follows similar protests held yesterday (1 June), when police used water cannons, sound grenades, tear gas, and baton charges to disperse protesters. Chases and counter-chases were also reported in the area.
Last night, Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC held a virtual board meeting chaired by Khurshid Alam, despite ongoing protests calling for his resignation. Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan confirmed that five board members attended the meeting virtually.
The protests began after a leadership change at the bank. Former chairman M Zubaidur Rahman resigned on 24 May, just before the Eid holiday. Later that night, former Bangladesh Bank deputy governor Md Khurshid Alam was appointed as the new chairman.
Khurshid was scheduled to formally join the bank on 1 June. He had earlier resigned from Bangladesh Bank following protests by central bank officials after the political changeover on 5 August 2024.
Bank officials said similar protest programmes were held in different parts of the country during the Eid holidays under the "Islami Bank Customers Forum" banner.
Customers stage human chain in Chattogram
Customers of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC staged a human chain in Chattogram today (2 June), demanding the removal of newly appointed Chairman Md Khurshid Alam.
The protest, organised under the banner of the "Islami Bank Sacheton Grahok Customers Forum", was held around 11am in front of the bank's regional office in the Agrabad commercial area of the port city.
Participants alleged that depositors are losing confidence in the bank's current management. They said the removal of Chairman Khurshid Alam was necessary to protect customers' interests and restore internal governance.
Speakers at the programme said that without ensuring transparency and accountability in one of the country's largest financial institutions, public deposits could face serious risk.
They urged immediate intervention from relevant government authorities and Bangladesh Bank, calling for steps to safeguard depositors' money and protect customer interests.
The protesters warned that if their demands are not addressed promptly, they will announce stricter programmes in the coming days.
