As part of reforms in the banking sector, Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC is moving forward under the guidance of regulatory authorities. Recently, audits conducted by various regulatory bodies and audit firms have revealed certain irregularities in recruitment at Al-Arafah Islami Bank.
In response to these observations and recommendations from the auditors, the Bank’s management undertook due review and initiated necessary measures. As part of this initiative, 1,414 officers were brought under an evaluation test. To maintain neutrality, the test was conducted through the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of the University of Dhaka. In this examination, 864 officers who passed were retained in service, while the remaining 547 officers who failed to obtain the minimum qualifying marks were terminated following due process. In addition, three officers resigned from service before participating in the examination.
The main objective of this activity was to improve the quality of the Bank’s human resources and to establish Al-Arafah Islami Bank on a strong foundation for the future. However, these dismissed officers, whose appointments were not made through proper procedures, suddenly began a sit-in in front of Al-Arafah Islami Bank’s Head Office on the morning of July 28 under the name of a demonstration. From that day, they blocked the entrance of Al-Arafah Tower at the Dainik Bangla intersection in the capital. They placed microphones on rickshaws in front of the building and engaged in loud noise-making and aggressive behavior throughout the day. As a result, day after day, the banking activities of the Bank’s Head Office and the Corporate Branch located in the same building were disrupted. Customers of the Bank, local residents, and pedestrians suffered from these actions.
Although the Bank’s management took initiatives to resolve these harmful activities peacefully, the agitators did not relent. Even when law enforcement agencies repeatedly requested them to move away and stop the disorder, they continued their activities.
On Thursday, August 8, from morning until evening, they again blocked the entrance of the Head Office in the same manner. To keep customer services operational, executives and officers of the Bank’s Head Office were compelled to carry out official activities in the nearby Surma Tower building. The agitators could not accept this peaceful approach by the Bank. Finally, at around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, a group of dismissed officers suddenly attacked Bank officials at Surma Tower. They detained and harassed three Deputy Managing Directors and the Head of Human Resources while they were getting into their cars. At the same time, they physically attacked, humiliated, and injured the Bank’s HR Head. When security personnel of Al-Arafah Tower came forward to control the situation, the attackers turned on them as well. At that time, a chase and counter-chase took place between the two sides. In this incident, at least 15 people, including the HR Head of the Bank, were injured. The seriously injured were admitted to various hospitals in Dhaka. A case has already been filed at Paltan Police Station regarding the blockade of Al-Arafah Islami Bank’s Head Office.
In light of this unwanted and tragic incident, we wish to state clearly to everyone that the management of Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC will, under no circumstances, retreat from its ongoing reform program, legal processes, and compliance with the directives of the central bank and other supervisory authorities. These measures are essential for the Bank’s stability, discipline, customer service, and reputation, and cannot be stopped by any pressure, intimidation, or unlawful influence.
We assure our valued customers that your deposits are safe, and these reform activities have been undertaken solely to improve the quality of service to you. Your support is absolutely essential in implementing this noble initiative to realize the Bank’s good intentions and to ensure maximum transparency in its governance.
We say to the dismissed protesting former officers if the illegal blockade, threats, and acts of violence are not stopped immediately, the Bank’s management will be compelled to take the highest legal action, and the full responsibility will rest upon you.
For three decades, Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC has played an important role in the country’s economic progress, sustained by the trust and love of the people. No intimidation can stop our advancement. We will remain steadfast in protecting customer service, preserving our reputation, and building a safer, stronger, and more transparent Shariah-based bank Insha’Allah.
