Islami Bank customer forum announces fresh protests demanding restoration of previous ownership

The 'Islami Bank Sachetan Grahak Forum' (Islami Bank Conscious Customers Forum) today (6 July) announced a fresh series of protest programs demanding the restoration of the bank's ownership to its original owners, and the formation of a new board of directors comprising honest and professional individuals.

The forum also demanded the recovery of looted funds from Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, trial of those responsible, and full security for depositors' money.

Leaders of the forum raised the demands at a press conference held at the Islami Bank Tower premises in the capital's Dilkusha this afternoon, where the forum's convener, Professor Nurunnabi Manik, read out a written statement.

Professor Manik highlighted that Islami Bank is not just a financial institution but the country's first Shariah-based bank and a symbol of trust for millions of customers. "It handles a major portion of the country's remittance inflow, SME financing, and public savings. Therefore, its stability is vital for the national economy," he said.

He noted that since 24 May, customers have been continuously protesting through human chains, memorandums, press conferences, and meetings with the Bangladesh Bank Governor to ensure good governance and depositor security. The forum also reiterated its demand to reinstate former Managing Director Omar Faruk Khan.

While acknowledging that Bangladesh Bank has removed former Chairman Khurshid Alam and that central bank liquidity support has brought some relief to depositors, the forum leaders noted that structural changes are still lagging.

They highlighted that a previous announcement to repeal Section 18(a) of the Bank Company Act has not yet been formally codified into law.

The customer forum outlined a 7-point charter of demands, which include forming an honest and professional board, returning ownership to genuine stakeholders, setting up a special tribunal to try bank looters, recovering stolen assets, an confiscating the wealth of the corrupt.

To press home their demands, the forum announced a fresh agitation schedule:

9 July: A protest march from Islami Bank Tower to the National Press Club.

14 July: Sit-in programs in front of various bank branches across district towns.

18 July: A grand rally of depositors in front of the National Museum in the capital's Shahbagh.

Forum Member Secretary Motasim Billah and a large number of bank customers were present at the press conference.