The Islami Bank Sachetan Grahak Forum has issued a 24-hour ultimatum calling for the immediate resignation of newly appointed Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC Chairman Khurshid Alam, intensifying tensions over the leadership of Bangladesh’s largest private commercial bank.
At a protest rally held in front of Islami Bank Tower in Motijheel on Sunday, forum leaders alleged that Khurshid Alam is closely linked with the former Awami League administration and the S Alam Group, which they described as controversial in the banking sector. The rally was followed by a procession before the announcement of the ultimatum.
Forum president Professor Nur Nabi Manik, while addressing the gathering, demanded that the chairman step down within one day, accusing him of being associated with what he termed the “fallen autocratic regime” and alleging past involvement in financial irregularities. He also called upon the government to safeguard the financial sector from what he described as harmful influences.
The forum further announced a two-hour pen-down strike across Islami Bank operations on Monday from 10am to 12pm. During this period, all banking activities are expected to remain suspended as employees are urged to participate in the protest.
In addition to the strike, the organisation said it would stage sit-ins and human chains in front of Islami Bank’s head office and branches nationwide, calling on officers and staff to show solidarity with their demands.
Speakers at the rally questioned the rationale behind Khurshid Alam’s appointment, claiming that he had previously stepped down from his position as deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank and later went into hiding following political changes in August 2024.
They further alleged that his appointment was part of a broader pattern of mismanagement in the financial sector, though these claims could not be independently verified.
The forum warned that the protests would continue and escalate if their demand for resignation is not met within the stipulated deadline.
