United News of Bangladesh

Employees of six Shariah-based banks, who were terminated and affected during the interim government period, formed a human chain in the capital’s Motijheel area on Sunday to press for a six-point demand, including their immediate reinstatement. The other demands are an immediate end to false allegations, harassment, and discriminatory behaviour; ensuring transparency and merit-based processes in all appointments and promotions; an absolute end to political interference in the banking sector; formation of an independent and neutral judicial inquiry commission to investigate these irregularities; and taking legal action against those involved in these illicit activities. “We do not seek conflict, we seek justice. We do not want chaos, we want good governance,” the protesters said in a written statement, underscoring that their movement remains peaceful but resolute. The protest was held at 10:00am in front of the head office of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, where participants alleged that nearly 10,000 banking professionals have, over the past several months, been systematically subjected to dismissal, forced transfers, and harassment under the influence of an “organised political group”. In the statement, the protesters said the campaign primarily targeted employees of Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank PLC, Union Bank PLC, Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC, Social Islami Bank PLC, and Global Islami Bank PLC. They claimed that human resource policies were disregarded, with recruitment and promotions influenced by political affiliations, while competent and experienced employees were sidelined, harassed, and ultimately forced out. The protesters described the situation as a “deliberate and retaliatory purge,” alleging that many were served with vague or fabricated allegations, subjected to arbitrary transfers, and exposed to sustained mental and physical pressure before being removed from their positions. They called it a development “without precedent in the history of Bangladesh’s banking sector.” According to those affected, the impact has been devastating as thousands of families now face deep uncertainty, as the sudden loss of income has disrupted not only livelihoods but also long-term financial stability and social standing. The protesters vowed to continue their “peaceful” movement until their demands are met, and urged the media to bring the issue to the forefront of national attention.