Islami Bank: Clash between old and new officers, some injured in gunshots

Two groups of officers have engaged in clashes at the headquarters of the Islami Bank Bangladesh (IBBL). Some of them sustained injuries as there were firings at one stage.

According to witnesses and bank sources, the old officers declared to prevent their colleagues who were recruited after 2017 from entering the bank. The new officers are mostly from Patiya in Chattogram. 

Around 10:30 am, the new officers gathered in the area and attempted to enter the headquarters. When the old ones prevented the attempt, it led to a turf war between two sides, and subsequent gunshots. 

The old officers alleged that the Patiya-based officers opened fire during the clashes.

The bank has been going through unrest since the downfall of the Awami League government in the last week. On the very next day, the officers staged a demonstration at the headquarters and declared to prevent the new recruits.  

Anisur Rahman, a CBA leader of the bank, announced that all the recruitments that have taken place without any examinations since 2017 will be canceled and the recruits will be prevented from entering the bank.  

At the same time, those who have been dismissed or deprived during the period will get their jobs back or be compensated. 

Chattogram-based business conglomerate S Alam took over the bank in 2017.

Since then, nearly 14,000 officers have been recruited in the bank, and they are mostly from Patiya in Chattogram where the group is rooted.