Police Disperse Protest Against Islami Bank’s Newly Appointed Chairman

A planned human chain demonstration opposing the appointment of Islami Bank’s new chairman was prevented by police on Monday morning in front of the bank’s head office in Motijheel, Dhaka. The event had been organized under the banner of the Islami Bank Customers Forum.

According to bank officials, participants gathered around 9:30 a.m., but before the protest could fully begin, police intervened. Witnesses reported that water cannons and sound grenades were used to disperse the crowd before 10:00 a.m. Protesters had brought banners and placards but were unable to display them. Some of the materials reportedly criticized the appointment of the new chairman, alleging links to the previous political administration.

The protest followed recent leadership changes at the bank. On the final working day before the Eid holidays, Chairman M. Zubaydur Rahman stepped down from his position. He had been serving as an independent director appointed by Bangladesh Bank. Later that same evening, former Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Md. Khurshid Alam was appointed as the bank’s new chairman.

Bank sources said that objections to the appointment had led to demonstrations in various parts of the country during the Eid holiday period. Monday’s gathering in Motijheel was organized as a continuation of those activities and was scheduled before regular office hours.

Police reportedly informed organizers that they did not have authorization to hold the event and requested that it be called off. When participants proceeded with displaying banners, law enforcement moved to disperse the gathering. The situation created concern and confusion throughout the Motijheel banking district.

Speaking to local media, Motijheel Police Station Investigation Inspector Abdus Salam said that several bank customers had blocked the road and that police took action to clear the area and restore normal movement.