Protesters Demand Resignation of Islami Bank Chairman; Police Disperse Crowd with Batons and Tear Gas

Police used batons, water cannons and tear gas on Monday to disperse customers protesting against the appointment of the new chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh and demanding his resignation.

Members of the Islami Bank Customers’ Forum gathered in front of the bank’s head office from the morning, carrying banners and placards while chanting slogans calling for the chairman to step down. The group staged the protest to express strong opposition to the recent appointment.

According to eyewitnesses, police moved in around 9:30am to clear the demonstrators from the area. As tensions escalated, officers used batons, water cannons and tear gas to break up the gathering, causing panic among protesters and forcing many to flee. Demonstrators alleged that police had used excessive force against what they described as a peaceful protest.

The protesters claimed that the newly appointed chairman has links to the controversial S Alam Group and argued that his appointment could pave the way for further misappropriation of the bank’s resources.

Despite being dispersed, the protesters later regrouped and resumed their demonstration. Additional police personnel were deployed in the area, and security measures around the bank were reinforced.