B Mirror Report: Members of the Islami Bank Conscious Customers’ Forum continued their protest outside the bank’s head office in Motijheel on Sunday, demanding the resignation of Chairman Mohammad Khurshid Alam and the reinstatement of former Managing Director (MD) Mohammad Omar Faruk Khan.
The demonstration began at 11:00 a.m. as part of an ongoing protest program announced earlier by the forum. Law enforcement agencies maintained a heightened security presence around the area, deploying additional police personnel, water cannons, and armored vehicles to prevent any untoward incidents.
Protesters expressed concerns over recent changes to the bank’s board of directors and the appointment of the new chairman. They called for the cancellation of the appointment, greater transparency in the bank’s governance, and the return of the former MD to his position.
Speaking at the protest, customer representative Abul Khayer Azad alleged that Islami Bank had previously fallen under the influence of vested interests and criticized the appointment of the current chairman. He also raised concerns over alleged financial irregularities and urged authorities to protect the bank from further mismanagement.
Azad said Islami Bank, as a Shariah-based financial institution, enjoys the trust of nearly 30 million customers and stressed the importance of preserving its values and integrity. He vowed that customers and employees would continue their movement until their demands are met.
The latest demonstration follows a human chain organized by the forum in front of the bank’s headquarters last Monday. During that protest, police used batons, water cannons, tear gas, and sound grenades to disperse demonstrators.
The unrest began after former Chairman Prof. Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman resigned on May 24. Former Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Mohammad Khurshid Alam was subsequently appointed chairman, triggering dissatisfaction among a section of customers and shareholders.
Amid the ongoing controversy, the bank’s board reportedly accepted the resignation of Managing Director Mohammad Omar Faruk Khan during a virtual meeting held last Monday night, further intensifying the protests.
