While the inauguration and foundation stone laying
ceremony of the Chinese Economic Zone in Anwara, Chattogram was in full swing,
the dismissed officers and employees of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC gathered
outside to protest. They held the program on Monday morning to voice their
demands in the presence of important government figures.
The protest took place at around 10:30 am in the China
Road area of Bairag Union of the upazila. At the same time, security
arrangements were tightened around the presence of the Finance Minister and the
Home Minister at the event. Additional police were deployed at the venue and
surrounding areas to avoid any untoward situation.
The protesters alleged that after the 2024 mass uprising,
about 5,500 officers and employees were dismissed from Islami Bank illegally.
They claimed that many were dismissed without any notice or following the
prevailing rules and regulations.
The dismissed officers and employees further alleged that
after taking control of the bank, a group appointed and promoted people of
their choice. They demand that the current board of directors be abolished and
a new board formed and the dismissed officers and employees reinstated.
The protesters said that while the possibility of new
employment opportunities is being talked about in Chattogram through the
inauguration of a large economic zone, they have been unemployed for a long
time. They have held this program to attract the attention of important people
in the government.
The program was led by coordinator Md. Emdad Hossain and
others on behalf of the dismissed officers and employees.
Mahmudul Hasan, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
of Anwara Circle, said that the protesters were removed from the scene
considering the VIP visit and public safety. The situation is currently under
control.
