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.