The Islami Bank Sachetan Grahak Forum (Islami Bank Conscious Customers' Forum) on Sunday issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the resignation of bank’s newly appointed Chairman Khurshid Alam, labelling him an associate of the ousted fascist" Awami League regime and controversial S Alam Group.

The forum also called upon all officials and employees of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC to observe a two-hour pen-down strike on Monday – from 10:00am to 12:00pm – in solidarity with its demand.

Prof Nur Nabi Manik, president of the forum, made the announcement while presiding over a rally held in front of the Islami Bank Tower in the capital’s Motijheel area, following a protest march.

"Khurshid Alam, an associate of the fascist Awami League and a successor to bank looter S Alam Group, must resign from the post of Islami Bank chairman within the next 24 hours," he said.

Urging the government to protect the country's financial system, Manik stated, "Islami Bank is the largest bank in the country. Do not destroy the national economy by handing over its control to a collaborator of the fallen autocratic regime."

Terming Khurshid Alam a "corrupt bank looter," he questioned the rationale behind his appointment.

The forum chief said Khurshid Alam was forced to step down from his position as deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank, and went into hiding, following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024

"Why should a fugitive like Khurshid Alam be appointed as chairman of Islami Bank? He was chosen because he excels in plundering resources. Previously, he looted funds to benefit the fallen Awami League and S Alam Group; now he will do the same for others," Manik alleged.

He said Islami Bank Sachetan Grahak Forum will stage sit-ins and form human chains in front of the bank's head office as well as all branches and sub-branches nationwide for two hours on Monday, urging all bank executives, officers, and staff members to join the programme and fully suspend banking operations for the period.