Hundreds of Islami Bank employees blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram highway on Saturday to demand job reinstatements and workplace reforms. The protest started at 11 a.m. with a human chain at Faujdarhat in Chattogram, but demonstrators moved onto the roadway 45 minutes later and halted traffic. The blockade created kilometers of congestion in both directions and stranded commuters for hours on one of the nation's busiest routes.
Workers claim the bank dismissed approximately 400 Chattogram region employees unfairly, while placing 4,000 to 5,000 others on special duty status that effectively removes them from active service. The demonstration occurred one day before a planned continuous work stoppage announced at a Friday press conference. Protesters outlined six demands centered on reversing dismissals, ending punishment transfers, establishing neutral work conditions, and withdrawing legal cases filed against employees who refused assessment tests.
Workers claim the bank dismissed approximately 400 Chattogram region employees unfairly, while placing 4,000 to 5,000 others on special duty status that effectively removes them from active service. The demonstration occurred one day before a planned continuous work stoppage announced at a Friday press conference. Protesters outlined six demands centered on reversing dismissals, ending punishment transfers, establishing neutral work conditions, and withdrawing legal cases filed against employees who refused assessment tests.
