Administrative action will be taken against anyone disrupting customer services, said Islami Bank acting Managing Director Md. Altaf Hossain on Thursday amid reports of a symbolic work stoppage at several branches.
The warning came after a section of bank officials reportedly observed a one-hour ‘pen-down’ strike at multiple branches in response to a call from the ‘Sachetan Grahak Forum’ (Conscious Customers Forum), which has been protesting for the past three days demanding removal of newly appointed Chairman Md. Khurshid Alam.
The forum on Wednesday urged employees to suspend work for an hour on Thursday in solidarity with its movement.
Speaking at the bank’s head office in Dilkusha, Motijheel, Altaf Hossain clarified that the management had issued no instructions for any form of work stoppage.
“There is no such directive from our side. If any official refuses to provide services, administrative action will be taken against them,” he said.
Customer services were partially or fully disrupted for about an hour in some locations although bank officials largely refrained from making public comments.
Responding to the situation, the acting MD said the bank’s staff remain committed to serving customers.
“Our officers are fully ready to serve. If customers do not come forward for services, it is not possible for us to force it. It is also difficult to monitor the real-time situation of every branch from the head office,” he said.
Asked about concerns over possible withdrawal pressure amid the ongoing unrest, Hossain acknowledged increased activity but said there was no cause for alarm.
“If all depositors rush to withdraw their money in a single day, any bank in the world would collapse. That is a basic financial reality. But practically that never happens,” he said.
He added that the bank has seen a rise in withdrawal pressure due to the prevailing situation, but it remains within manageable limits.
“There is definitely some increased pressure due to the current situation, but it is still tolerable. There is no reason for panic. If any critical situation arises, it will be visible to everyone,” he added.
The unrest at the Shariah-based lender began late last month following the resignation of former Chairman Prof. M. Zubaidur Rahman and the central bank's subsequent appointment of former Deputy Governor Md. Khurshid Alam to the post.