Shafiqur decries bank politicisation, alleges fresh 'coup' at Islami Bank

Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has strongly criticised the government after the board of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited placed its managing director on forced leave, reports bdnews24.com.

He made the criticism while addressing the seminar titled 'Government Against Referendum Verdict: Country at a Crossroads', organised by 11-Paty Alliance at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh,in the capital on Monday.

He said all institutions are being monopolised, adding that, following what he described as a 'coup' at Bangladesh Bank, a similar move has now begun at Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited, the country's largest bank.

He warned that Jamaat would not remain passive if this 'malpractice' continues.

A day earlier, Islami Bank Managing Director Omar Faruk Khan was sent on compulsory leave, just eight months after taking charge.

Historically under the influence of Jamaat leaders, Islami Bank was taken over by the S Alam Group during the previous Awami League administration.

Following the fall of that regime, the bank was freed from S Alam's grip, allowing former figures to regain influence.

Shafiqur, however, now alleges a fresh attempt to 'monopolise' the country's largest private lender.

He said a bank that alone collects 32 per cent of the country's remittances is vital to the economy, warning that any threat to its existence could ‘severely’ impact Bangladesh's economic stability.