Employees dismissed from six Shariah-based banks staged a human chain in Dhaka’s Motijheel area on Sunday, demanding reinstatement in service, payment of arrears, and an end to what they described as unjust termination.
The programme began at around 9:00 am in front of the head office of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC in the Dilkusha commercial zone. Law enforcement units were deployed in and around Motijheel to maintain security during the gathering.
Allegations raised by dismissed staff
The dismissed officials and employees alleged that they were removed from their posts without specific explanation after 5 August 2024. According to their claims, nearly 10,000 employees across six Islamic banking institutions have been affected.
They further stated that a significant number of those dismissed are from the Chattogram region. Many participants reportedly travelled overnight from Chattogram to Dhaka to join the protest.
The demonstrators demanded full reinstatement, settlement of unpaid salaries and allowances, and restoration of employment benefits. They also called for the resignation of the board of directors and senior executives of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC.
In addition, they demanded the removal of the current chairman and managing director of the bank, along with legal proceedings against former Bangladesh Bank governor Ahsan H. Mansur.
The protesters claimed they were dismissed without being given any opportunity to present their defence or clarify their positions, and said they were seeking restoration of their livelihoods.
Banks involved in the protest
The human chain included dismissed employees from the following six banks:
- Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC
- First Security Islami Bank PLC
- Union Bank PLC
- Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC
- Global Islami Bank PLC
- Social Islami Bank PLC
Statements from bank officials
Officials from several of the concerned banks stated that dismissals were carried out after identifying alleged irregularities. These include claims of forged academic certificates and recruitment without proper examination processes. They maintained that reinstatement of such employees was not feasible under existing regulations.
Background of institutional control
The six banks were previously reported to have been under the influence of the S Alam Group. Following the political change in August 2024, the group reportedly lost control over these institutions.
Subsequently, the Bangladesh Bank identified evidence of large-scale financial irregularities, including the alleged withdrawal of around 200,000 crore taka through various channels.
In response to governance concerns, four banks—First Security Islami Bank PLC, Union Bank PLC, Global Islami Bank PLC, and Social Islami Bank PLC—are currently undergoing a merger process. Meanwhile, Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC and Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC are being managed under independent directors appointed by Bangladesh Bank.
Summary of status
| Bank |
Current status |
Management arrangement |
| Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC |
Under regulatory oversight |
Managed by independent directors |
| First Security Islami Bank PLC |
Under restructuring |
Under merger process |
| Union Bank PLC |
Under restructuring |
Under merger process |
| Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC |
Under regulatory oversight |
Managed by independent directors |
| Global Islami Bank PLC |
Under restructuring |
Under merger process |
| Social Islami Bank PLC |
Under restructuring |
Under merger process |
Key demands
The dismissed employees concluded their programme by reiterating three demands: immediate reinstatement in their respective posts, payment of all outstanding dues, and legal safeguards to prevent what they described as unfair dismissal practices in the banking sector.
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