Bangladesh Bank (BB) has reaffirmed its decision to appoint former governor Md Khurshid Alam as chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, making it clear that recent protests demanding the withdrawal of his appointment will not influence the central bank’s position.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, BB Spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said the regulator would continue to follow its own procedures and would not reconsider the appointment in response to demonstrations.
His remarks came after a group identifying itself as the Islami Bank Customers' Forum staged a protest outside the bank’s head office in Dhaka’s Motijheel area. The demonstrators called for the cancellation of Khurshid Alam’s appointment and gathered in front of the building during the day.
The protest later turned tense as police moved to disperse the crowd. Law enforcers used batons, water cannons, tear gas and sound grenades, while several protesters reportedly sustained injuries during the clashes.
Responding to questions about the demonstration, Arif Hossain Khan said there was no connection between the protest and the central bank’s decision regarding the bank’s leadership. He argued that regulatory decisions could not be altered based on pressure from one group, particularly when opposing views might emerge from other stakeholders.
The BB appointed Md Khurshid Alam as chairman of Islami Bank on 24 May. On the same day, former chairman M Zubaidur Rahman stepped down from the post after facing protests from a section of customers and bank officials.
Meanwhile, sources said the bank’s managing director continues to remain on extended leave amid the ongoing developments surrounding the institution’s management.
