Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has issued a strong condemnation and protest regarding the recent 'police action' against demonstrators outside the head office of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC. The party claims that several customers sustained injuries during the incident.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar stated that the police employed batons, tear gas, water cannons, and gunfire against customers who had assembled under the 'Islami Bank Customers' Forum' banner for a peaceful demonstration. The protestors were calling for the resignation of the bank's newly appointed chairman and seeking the protection of depositors' interests.
Porwar described the situation as a peaceful sit-in that began in the morning in front of the bank's headquarters at Motijheel. He alleged that police initiated a baton charge around 9:30 am without provocation, escalating to the use of water cannons and tear gas. Eventually, police opened fire, resulting in serious injuries to many depositors.
The Jamaat leader expressed wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured and labeled the police actions as 'unwarranted repression' and a violation of human rights. He emphasized the gravity of customers' concerns, highlighting past irregularities and looting within the banking sector, including Islami Bank, by a specific group.
Porwar further alleged that the new chairman is believed to have connections to the 'Awami fascist regime,' raising fears that his continued presence could expose the bank to additional financial risks. He stressed that protecting personal savings and demanding accountability in the banking sector are constitutional rights.
He criticized the police for firing on ordinary depositors, calling it unacceptable and urged authorities to hold those responsible for the alleged attack accountable. Porwar also called on the bank's management to annul what he described as the 'illegal and partisan appointment' of the chairman, urging steps to restore stability and confidence among millions of depositors and customers.