Protests erupt over Agrani Bank chairman’s actions
Staff Reporter :
The Bankers’ Association of Bangladesh (BAB) and the Executive Officers and Employees against Fascism and Discrimination have called for the removal of Agrani Bank’s Board Chairman, Syed Abu Naser Bakhtiar Ahmed, citing his actions as being contrary to the ideals of the 24th July student-mass uprising and his public statement in support of preserving the Dhanmondi 32 building.
Leaders of these organisations made the demand during a protest meeting held at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday. A written statement was read by Muhammad Abdullah, the Member Secretary of the Bankers’ Association of Bangladesh.
Speakers at the event stressed that the interim government is making tireless efforts to stabilise banks and financial institutions. However, they accused Syed Abu Naser Bakhtiar Ahmed of engaging in unethical activities that are disrupting the discipline and smooth operations of Agrani Bank.
They alleged that he has been interfering unjustly and irregularly in the bank’s daily operations, violating the Bank Companies Act and BRPD circulars. His actions, they claimed, are fostering support for allies of the fallen government.
One of the most controversial steps attributed to him was his public statement against the principles of the 24th July mass uprising and in favour of preserving Dhanmondi 32, which contradicts the spirit of the people’s just movement.
The written statement further outlined that the bank is currently facing a severe crisis and is under threat. The chairman, disregarding ethics, regulations, and professionalism, has allegedly been running the bank with an authoritarian mindset, engaging in unethical interference. Following the downfall of the autocratic regime, he has positioned himself as a new autocrat within the banking sector.
Expressing their shock and outrage, the speakers remarked that Syed Abu Naser Bakhtiar Ahmed, who portrays himself as a representative of civil society, has called for justice against the heroes of the July uprising. However, they noted that he remained silent during the 15 years of misrule, killings, repression, and brutality under the so-called “Hall of Mirrors” of the previous regime. They criticised him for failing to speak out against the massacres during the July Revolution or the killings of innocent civilians, including children.
By opposing the demolition of the Dhanmondi 32 house, they claimed, he has insulted and dishonoured the sacrifices of the martyrs. They accused him of siding with conspirators who are against a dictatorship-free Bangladesh, achieved through the July Revolution.
As a result, the Bankers’ Association of Bangladesh and the Executive Officers and Employees Against Fascism and Discrimination have declared Syed Abu Naser Bakhtiar Ahmed unwelcome at Agrani Bank and have demanded his immediate removal. They also announced that he would no longer be permitted to enter the bank’s premises. Should their demand remain unmet, they warned that stricter measures would be announced without delay.
The protest meeting was organised by the Bankers’ Association of Bangladesh (BAB) and the Executive Officers and Employees Against Fascism and Discrimination, which comprises officials from Bangladesh Bank, Sonali Bank, Janata Bank, Agrani Bank, Rupali Bank, BIDB, and private bank units.
Speakers at the event included Mohammad Ali Hossain, Joint Director of Bangladesh Bank; Mohammad Zaidul Islam, AVP of Standard Bank; Gobinda Chandra Kundu, AVP of Prime Bank; Mohammad Abul Bashar, Principal Officer of Sonali Bank; Subhash Chandra Chakma, Principal Officer of Sonali Bank; Md. Sujauddoula, AGM of Agrani Bank; Muhammad Abdullah, Senior Principal Officer of Agrani Bank; Mohammad Abu Jafar, AGM of Rupali Bank; Monir Ahmed, AGM of Janata Bank; Hafizur Rahman, Principal Officer of Janata Bank; Monjurul Islam, AGM of Sonali Bank; and Rezaul Karim, AGM of Sonali Bank.