Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday strongly condemned and protested the “police action” against protesters demonstrating in front of the head office of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, claiming that several customers were injured during the incident.

In a statement, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar alleged that police used batons, tear gas, water cannons and gunfire against customers who had gathered under the banner of the “Islami Bank Customers’ Forum” for a peaceful programme.

According to the statement, demonstrators were demanding the resignation of the bank’s newly appointed chairman and seeking protection of depositors’ interests.

Porwar claimed that the customers were carrying out a peaceful sit-in programme since morning in front of the bank’s headquarters at Motijheel.

“Unfortunately, police launched a baton charge around 9:30am without any provocation and used water cannons and tear gas against the peaceful protesters. At one stage, police opened fire, seriously injuring many depositors,” he said.

The Jamaat leader wished a speedy recovery to those injured and described the police action as “unwarranted repression” and a violation of human rights.

He said the concerns raised by customers were serious and justified, alleging that the country’s banking sector, including Islami Bank, had previously suffered from large-scale irregularities and looting by a particular group.

Porwar claimed that many customers believe the newly appointed chairman is linked to what he described as the “Awami fascist regime” and expressed fears that retaining him could expose the bank to further financial risks.

He said protecting personal savings and demanding accountability in the banking sector are constitutional rights of citizens.

“Banks operate on the deposits of the people. No bank can survive by ignoring the interests of its customers. Opening fire on ordinary depositors to silence their voices is unacceptable,” the Jamaat leader said.

He called on the authorities to identify those responsible for the alleged attack on customers and bring them to accountability.

Porwar urged the relevant authorities and bank management to cancel what he termed the “illegal and partisan appointment” of the chairman and take steps to restore stability and confidence among millions of depositors and customers.