Dismissed officials of Islami Bank staged a protest on the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar Highway at the Crossing area of Karnaphuli upazila in Chattogram on Tuesday (September 30). The demonstration, which took place from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, brought traffic to a halt for nearly an hour. However, protesters allowed ambulances and emergency vehicles to pass.
During the protest, the terminated officials labeled those who participated in the bank’s special assessment examination as “munafiq” (hypocrites) and later hurled eggs at their photographs in an expression of anger.
The demonstrators announced that if their demands are not met during the Durga Puja holidays, they will launch a full-scale blockade from next Sunday.
Currently, around 5,500 officials of Islami Bank in the Chattogram region are facing uncertainty. Discontent has escalated after the bank organized a controversial “competency assessment test,” allegedly in defiance of a court order. The dismissed officials collectively rejected the exam. So far, 200 officials have been terminated, while 4,953 others have been made OSD (Officer on Special Duty). In protest, the dismissed officials have put forward six demands.
Key Demands of the Protesters:
1. Immediate reinstatement of officials dismissed without valid reason.
2. Return of transferred officials to nearby branches instead of distant postings.
3. Investigation into irregular promotions made during the previous government.
4. Assurance of a discrimination-free and politically neutral working environment.
5. Cancellation of all types of assessment tests.
6. Investigation into the mental and physical harassment of Chattogram officials, with punitive action against those responsible.
The protesters stressed that unless all officials in Greater Chattogram are reinstated promptly, they will intensify their movement.
TDD/SHS
