No directive for pen-down protest, says Islami Bank : warns of action
- Update Time : Thursday, 4 June, 2026, 02:47 pm
- 26 Time View
Online Desk : Acting Managing Director (MD) of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, Altaf Hossain, has said that the bank’s management did not issue any directive regarding the one-hour ‘pen-down’ protest reportedly observed by some officials. He warned that necessary action would be taken against any employee who refrains from providing customer service. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the bank’s head office on Thursday (June 4).
According to sources, the Conscious Customers’ Forum, which has been campaigning for the resignation of the bank’s chairman, held a protest procession in the capital on Wednesday. During the demonstration, the forum called on bank officials to observe a one-hour pen-down protest on Thursday. Following the call, some officials at various branches reportedly took part in the programme. However, no one agreed to speak to the media officially on the matter. Complaints were also received that regular customer services were disrupted at several branches.
Addressing the issue, Altaf Hossain said, “The bank did not issue any instruction to suspend customer services. Our officials remain ready to serve customers. However, it is not possible for the head office to know instantly what is happening at every branch.”
Responding to a question about whether the ongoing movement had led to an increase in customer cash withdrawals, the acting MD said, “If all depositors of any bank were to withdraw their funds on a single day, it would be impossible for that bank to continue its operations. In reality, however, no such situation has arisen. Due to the movement and several other factors, withdrawal pressure has increased somewhat, but it remains within a manageable level.”
He added, “Although the pressure is higher than usual, there is no cause for panic. If such a situation had emerged, it would have been apparent to everyone.”
