Officers at various levels of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC have demanded the cancellation of a special competency assessment test, accusing the bank authorities of disregarding a directive from the High Court.
At a press conference at the Chittagong Press Club on Wednesday, they alleged that the bank authorities are arranging an unreasonable and extra-legal test to implement a blueprint for staff layoffs. They went on to say that nearly eight thousand bankers and their families are currently living in uncertainty and extreme insecurity.
At the press conference, Advocate KM Saiful Islam, the lawyer for the writ petitioners, said, “Defying the High Court’s directive, Islami Bank authorities are arranging the test again. This amounts to contempt of court.”
The bankers stated that, although a special assessment test was initially scheduled for 29 August via a circular on 14 August, it was suspended following the High Court’s order. However, the bank authorities issued a new circular on the night of September 22, announcing the test would be held again on 27 September, which is a violation of the court’s directive.
Speakers at the press conference said that many bankers have already obtained various qualifications, including diplomas in banking. Yet, they are being threatened with job loss if they fail or do not participate in this test. They alleged that this initiative has also been taken to favour certain groups.
According to them, several bankers have recently been laid off without notice. As such, a notice for contempt of court has been sent to the Bangladesh Bank governor and the chairman, managing director, and chief human resources officer of Islami Bank on 24 September.
Representing the bankers at the press conference, Advocate Abdus Sattar and Advocate Hasan Ali Chowdhury were also present.
