Islami bank tower: A clash broke out between dismissed Islami Bank employees appointed during the tenure of S Alam and Socheton Grohok Forum, a customers' platform, in front of Islami Bank Tower in the capital's Motijheel area on Monday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the incident took place during a demonstration organized by Islami Bank Socheton Grohok Forum. The forum was demanding the appointment of honest, qualified, and professional individuals to the bank's Board of Directors, and protesting alleged interference by the controversial S Alam Group.
Witnesses reported that an altercation initially broke out between the two sides outside the bank building, which quickly escalated into pushing, shoving, and physical assaults. The confrontation subsequently turned into a series of chases and counter-chases, resulting in multiple injuries on both sides.
Professor Nur Nabi Manik, President of the Islami Bank Socheton Grohok Forum, claimed that former employees who were terminated over illegal recruitment allegations, alongside followers of S Alam, took position outside the building prior to the event. As the demonstration began, they allegedly launched an attack on the participating customers and shareholders.
He further alleged that despite police presence, law enforcement officials failed to take effective measures to prevent the attack and instead dragged away members of the forum. Statements or responses from the accused former employees or the opposing side could not be immediately obtained.
A police officer from Motijheel Police Station, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that no incident took place in front of the Islami Bank head office. 'There was some tension in the area in the morning. Later, one side moved towards Shapla Chattar and took position there,' he said. The officer mentioned that no clash occurred between the two sides in the presence of police and noted he was unaware of any injuries, as neither side had so far filed any complaint with the police station.