Police used water cannons, tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse protesters outside Islami Bank head office in the capital’s Dilkusha commercial area on Monday morning, triggering a clash that left demonstrators and policemen injured.
The demonstrators under the banner of ‘Islami Bank Disgruntled Customers' Co-ordination Council’ and ‘Islami Bank Customer Forum’ were protesting the appointment of former central bank Deputy Governor Md. Khurshid Alam as the bank's new Chairman, alleging it bypasses proper board procedures and reinstates close associates of controversial S Alam Group.
Demonstrators claimed over 100 people were injured during police action which could not be verified.
Witnesses said hundreds of depositors, shareholders, and members started gathering in front of the Islami Bank Tower as early as 6:00 am.
Carrying banners and festoons, they blocked the road and chanted slogans demanding the immediate resignation of the newly appointed Chairman, and reinstatement of Managing Director Omar Farooq Khan, who was recently sent on a mandatory leave.
Tensions escalated at around 9:30 am when a large contingent of police equipped with water cannons and riot gear moved in to disperse the crowd.
Law enforcers fired tear gas shells and used water cannons which triggered panic and chase and counter-chase throughout the commercial hub, said witnesses.
Organizers claimed at least 30 demonstrators sustained gunshot wounds during the clash while the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) strongly denied opening fire.
Professor Nurnabi Manik, President of the Islami Bank Disgruntled Customers' Co-ordination Council, strongly condemned the police action.
"We were holding a democratic and peaceful human chain to protect our deposits from being plundered by structural cronies of the fallen regime. The unprovoked and brutal use of force by the police on ordinary citizens is entirely unacceptable," he said.
Manik further alleged that the bank is currently reeling under a severe liquidity crunch, leaving retail customers unable to withdraw cash from branches or automated teller machines (ATMs).
He demanded that the central bank immediately revoke Khurshid Alam’s appointment and form a fresh board consisting of genuine stakeholders.
The law enforcers later cordoned off the area, completely restricting public and client access to the bank's headquarters for the remainder of the day.
DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) NM Nasiruddin said the demonstrators blocked key roads in Motijheel, causing massive traffic gridlocks, and hurled brickbats at the police.
"A group of dismissed Islami Bank employees had applied for rally permission which was denied by the DMP headquarters. The customer group, on the other hand, did not seek any prior permission at all," Nasiruddin told reporters.
He said police only used tear gas and water cannons to bring the situation under control.
According to the DMP, 10 police personnel including the Assistant Commissioner (Patrol) of the Motijheel Zone sustained injuries from stone-pelting.
The injured people are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals across the capital.
FP/MI
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