Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today reaffirmed the government’s commitment to financial discipline, saying the BNP-led administration would not compromise on maintaining stability and confidence in the country’s financial sector.

Speaking in the Jatiya Sangsad during a discussion on Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, Khosru said financial discipline remains essential for strengthening the banking system and restoring economic confidence.

“BNP believes in financial discipline and will not compromise on it under any circumstances,” he said.

The discussion was initiated through a notice of public importance submitted by Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman under Rule 68 of the Rules of Procedure. Jamaat lawmakers raised concerns over the management and ownership structure of Islami Bank, calling for the return of shares allegedly taken from their original owners and an end to what they described as undue interference in the bank’s affairs.

The finance minister highlighted BNP’s record of maintaining macroeconomic stability and prudent financial management, arguing that a disciplined financial sector is crucial to Bangladesh’s economic recovery.

Addressing concerns over recent developments at Islami Bank, Khosru dismissed suggestions that the appointment of a new chairman could trigger large-scale deposit withdrawals.

“There is no precedent anywhere in the world where depositors withdraw funds simply because of the appointment of a chairman,” he said, adding that customers are primarily concerned about the safety of their deposits and the credibility of the institution.

He also alleged that organized efforts were being made to create instability around the bank through protests and agitation, warning against attempts to undermine public confidence in the banking sector.

Khosru said Bangladesh Bank is carrying out its regulatory responsibilities independently and through legal procedures aimed at restoring ownership and management structures to their lawful stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed called for thorough investigations into all allegations related to Islami Bank, including loan approvals, corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditures, recruitment practices, election-related financing, and alleged money laundering.

He referred to reports of a Tk 700 crore loan extended to Nabil Group and questioned whether the proceeds from the sale of imported goods had been returned to the bank.

The home minister also alleged that around 9,000 employees were dismissed after the bank’s takeover without due process, while approximately 6,000 new employees were recruited, calling for a comprehensive review of all related activities.

Regarding criticism of the newly appointed chairman, Salahuddin said Bangladesh Bank had informed the government that no allegations against the official had been proven.

“Under the principle of presumption of innocence, he is entitled to that benefit,” he said, adding that any new allegations would be investigated.

In his parliamentary notice, Dr Shafiqur Rahman claimed Islami Bank had begun recovering and rebuilding customer confidence after the fall of the previous government. He said the bank’s profit had increased from Tk 108 crore to Tk 137 crore within a year but alleged that efforts were underway to regain control of the institution through controversial appointments.

He criticized the appointment of a former Bangladesh Bank deputy governor as chairman, alleging the individual had been linked to irregularities and had cooperated with the S Alam Group during the previous administration.

Warning of wider implications, the Jamaat chief said instability at Islami Bank could undermine confidence in the entire banking sector.

“Islami Bank is a pyramid of trust. If that trust is damaged, public confidence in the entire banking system could be affected,” he said.

Dr Shafiqur urged the government to return shares allegedly acquired through coercive means to their original owners and reconstitute the bank’s board through legal procedures.

Government and opposition lawmakers alike stressed the importance of protecting depositors’ interests and preserving confidence in Bangladesh’s banking system during the parliamentary discussion.