United News of Bangladesh

Employees of six Shariah-based banks, who were terminated and affected during the interim government period, formed a human chain in the capital’s Motijheel area on Sunday to press for a six-point demand, including their immediate reinstatement. The other demands are an immediate end to false allegations, harassment, and discriminatory behaviour; ensuring transparency and merit-based processes in all appointments and promotions; an absolute end to political interference in the banking sector; formation of an independent and neutral judicial inquiry commission to investigate these irregularities; and taking legal action against those involved in these illicit activities. “We do not seek conflict, we seek justice. We do not want chaos, we want good governance,” the protesters said in a written statement, underscoring that their movement remains peaceful but resolute. The protest was held at 10:00am in front of the head office of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, where participants alleged that nearly 10,000 banking professionals have, over the past several months, been systematically subjected to dismissal, forced transfers, and harassment under the influence of an “organised political group”. In the statement, the protesters said the campaign primarily targeted employees of Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank PLC, Union Bank PLC, Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC, Social Islami Bank PLC, and Global Islami Bank PLC. They claimed that human resource policies were disregarded, with recruitment and promotions influenced by political affiliations, while competent and experienced employees were sidelined, harassed, and ultimately forced out. The protesters described the situation as a “deliberate and retaliatory purge,” alleging that many were served with vague or fabricated allegations, subjected to arbitrary transfers, and exposed to sustained mental and physical pressure before being removed from their positions. They called it a development “without precedent in the history of Bangladesh’s banking sector.” According to those affected, the impact has been devastating as thousands of families now face deep uncertainty, as the sudden loss of income has disrupted not only livelihoods but also long-term financial stability and social standing. The protesters vowed to continue their “peaceful” movement until their demands are met, and urged the media to bring the issue to the forefront of national attention.  

Sharif Uddin, a sacked officer of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), on Sunday filed a writ with the High Court seeking reinstatement in his job. Advocate Mia Mohammad Ishtiaq filed the writ petition on behalf of Sharif in the branch concerned of the High Court. The ACC chairman, ACC secretary, law secretary and public administration secretary were made respondents in the writ. The petition sought HC’s declaration that the dismissal of Sharif was illegal and unconstitutional under Section 54 (2) of the ACC Employment Rules 2008. Also read: Fired ACC officer Sharif fears becoming disappearance victim The petition may be presented for hearing in a bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman on Monday or Tuesday, said Advocate Mia Mohammad. Earlier on February 23, ten lawyers of the Supreme Court filed a writ petition seeking probe into the termination of Sharif. The court set Tuesday for delivering the order of writ petition of 10 lawyers. The ten SC lawyers are Mohammad Shishir Monir, Rezwana Ferdous, Jamilur Rahman Khan, Uttam Kumar Banik, Mustafizur Rahman, Tarequl Islam, Ahmed Abdullah Khan, Syed Mohammad Raihan, Saiful Islam and Noab Ali. On February 16, the ACC issued a gazette notification firing Sharif from the post of deputy-assistant director of ACC, Patuakhali. Also read: ACC official Sharif’s termination: Writ petition filed seeking probe He also served as the ACC officer in Chattogram for three years and when he was in Chattogram, Sharif recommended submitting a charge sheet against 155 officials including police, admin cadre officials and political persons for allegedly embezzling Tk 3.5 crore by acquiring land in Cox’s Bazar. Sharif also filed a case against Chattogram City Corporation Ward Councillor, Union Parishad chairman of Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar and police officers for providing National Identity Cards to Rohingyas and inserting them in the voter list. He also filed a case against some people including high officials concerned of Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL), former Minister Nurul Islam’s son on June 10, 2021 for providing gas connections illegally. Later, Sharif was transferred to Patuakhali from Chattogram. He alleged that he also received death threats from someone for his anti-graft role.