Hundreds of dismissed Islami Bank Bangladesh officials formed a human chain in Chattogram on Friday, demanding their reinstatement and the suspension of new recruitment processes.
The protest held around in front of Chattogram Press Club where participants carried banners and placards, chanting slogans for the restoration of their jobs.
The protest follows a case filed on Thursday at the Fifth Joint District Judge Court in Dhaka on behalf of the dismissed officials. The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the terminations were unlawful and requests the suspension of the bank’s ongoing recruitment.
The court has issued summonses to Islami Bank and directed its officials to appear on 14 January, 2026.
Recently, Islami Bank terminated nearly 5,000 officers and announced recruitment for new staff. The recruitment exam for Trainee Assistant Officer and Trainee Assistant Officer (Cash) is scheduled for Saturday (1 November). Dismissed officers condemned the new recruitment drive as “unjust” and “conspiratorial.”
Former officer SM Emdad Hossain said, “We joined the bank following the rules and earned promotions and recognition based on merit. Yet, we were terminated without cause.
Now, under the guise of new recruitment, the current board is conducting a complete mockery. We want to return to our beloved institution.”
He added, “Those participating in the new recruitment are our brothers and sisters. You have seen how we were unfairly displaced. This recruitment process is a planned trap. Do not fall into the same fate.”
Other speakers, including Moktar Hossain Rasid and Mohammad Humayun, urged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to intervene.
They said, “Honorable Chief Adviser, you are a son of Chattogram. Today, over 5,500 families have lost their livelihoods and face severe humanitarian crises. We plead for your direct action to reinstate us.”
The dismissed officials stressed that their protest is peaceful and a part of their constitutional rights, but warned that stricter measures may follow if their demands are not met.
They reiterated their call for the terminations to be declared unlawful, for the recruitment to be immediately suspended, and for swift government and court intervention for their reinstatement.
