Human chain held in Bauphal to protect Islami Bank
A human chain and a one-hour pen-down protest were organised in Bauphal by the Conscious Customers’ Forum, demanding the protection of depositors’ interests, ensuring the safety of deposits, and the removal of controversial individuals from Islami Bank.
The human chain was held in front of the Islami Bank branch on Hospital Road in the upazila at 10:00 am on Wednesday (June 4). Following the demonstration, the organization’s leaders announced a one-hour pen-down programme.
Islami Bank customers Mujahidul Islam, Mostafa Shibli, Maulana Abdus Sobahan, Russell Mahmud, and Ferdousi Begum spoke at the event.
The speakers said that Islami Bank Bangladesh has established itself as one of the most successful and profitable banks not only in the country but also in South Asia. They noted that the bank achieved its current position through years of hard work, sacrifice, and the trust of its customers.
However, they alleged that during the previous government’s tenure, the S. Alam Group gained control of Islami Bank and several other banks and engaged in widespread irregularities and financial misappropriation. As a result, they claimed, not only the banking sector but also the country’s overall economy suffered significant damage.
The speakers further alleged that efforts are underway to regain influence over the bank by appointing Khorshed Alam, a former Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank and a person known to be close to S. Alam, as Chairman of Islami Bank.
They demanded the immediate dissolution of the current board of directors and the formation of a transparent and broadly acceptable governance structure.
“We are united to protect our hard-earned deposits,” the speakers said. “We will continue our peaceful movement against any decision that goes against the interests of customers.”
Participants in the human chain also called on the government to take swift and effective measures to restore Islami Bank’s independence, transparency, and the confidence of its customers.
