A human chain and protest rally took place in Pabna on Tuesday afternoon, demanding the immediate removal of Islami Bank Bangladesh's newly appointed chairman, Khurshid Alam, and the retention of Managing Director Omar Faruk.
Organized by the Islami Bank Customer Forum’s Pabna branch, the protest was held at the Abdul Hamid Road traffic intersection. Speakers highlighted the bank's significant role in the national economy, warning that any ongoing conspiracies against the institution would severely destabilize both the country's economic health and its international image.
During the rally, protesters raised severe allegations against Chairman Khurshid Alam. Speakers accused him of maintaining close ties with the ousted Awami League government and benefiting from the controversial S Alam Group. Protesters also expressed fears of foreign interference, alleging that external intelligence agencies might seek to exploit the bank's funds. They criticized certain government figures for facilitating the appointment and demanded Alam’s immediate dismissal.
Drawing parallels to the previous regime, the speakers issued a stark warning to current government officials. They cautioned against political hubris, reminding authorities that economic instability ultimately led to the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration, and urged them not to repeat the same mistakes.
The event, moderated by Ikramul Haque, was chaired by Abdur Rahman, convener of the Islami Bank Customer Forum in Pabna. Hundreds of bank customers attended the rally, joined by prominent local figures including journalist Abu Saleh Md. Abdullah, businessmen Noor Islam Ujjwal and Obaidur Rahman Khan, Kindergarten Association President Mahfuzur Rahman, and Professor Rafiqul Islam.
