Demonstrations demanding the removal of newly appointed Islami Bank Chairman Md Khurshid Alam and the bank’s board of directors continued for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, as a section of customers gathered outside the bank’s headquarters in Dhaka’s Motijheel.
Under the banner of the Islami Bank Conscious Customers Forum, protesters assembled in front of the head office at Dilkusha from around 9am, carrying placards and chanting slogans against the bank’s recent leadership changes. The demonstrators alleged that the latest appointments at the top level of the bank lacked transparency and raised concerns about the institution’s future governance.
Participants in the protest called for the immediate resignation of the chairman as well as all members of the current board, arguing that such a step was necessary to protect customer interests and restore confidence in the bank’s management.
A key allegation raised by the protesters was that Chairman Khurshid Alam has links to the Chattogram-based S Alam Group. They claimed these alleged connections have heightened concerns among customers regarding the bank’s independence and governance structure. The demonstrators demanded that the appointment be withdrawn without delay.
In response to the ongoing protests, law enforcement agencies maintained a strong presence around the bank premises. Police deployed additional personnel, armoured vehicles and water cannons to prevent any deterioration of the situation and ensure public order.
The latest demonstration follows violent clashes outside the bank’s headquarters on Monday, when police used water cannons, tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse protesters. The confrontation left several demonstrators and police officers injured.
As of filing this report, the protest was continuing, with no indication from authorities or the bank regarding any change in the appointment decision.
