Hundreds of dismissed officers and employees from banks formerly owned or controlled by the S Alam Group are set to stage a major protest in the capital’s banking district this Sunday.
The demonstrators are demanding the reinstatement of their jobs following their removal from various financial institutions.
Reports indicate that a significant number of participants are from Patiya in Chattogram, the home area of S Alam Group Chairman Saiful Alam Masud. Sources say that several thousand individuals arrived in Dhaka on Saturday, with more expected to join the demonstration from across the country.
Touhidul Islam, a former employee of Islami Bank, told TIMES of Bangladesh that protesters intend to gather from Sunday morning in the Motijheel banking area and around the Secretariat.
He estimated that the total turnout could reach as high as 10,000 people nationwide. The demonstrators may also submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister to outline their specific demands.
The movement follows the 2024 political transition, which led to the reconstitution of boards at several S Alam-controlled banks, including Islami Bank Bangladesh – the country’s largest bank; Union Bank, First Security Islami Bank; and Social Islami Bank.
These administrative changes resulted in the dismissal of hundreds of employees, many of whom are now mobilising for their return to their posts.
