Protesting customers in Chattogram locked five Islamic bank branches in Agrabad today (4 May), intensifying their demand for the cancellation of the ‘haircut’ proposal and the return of their deposited funds.
They gathered at the Agrabad intersection in the morning and later locked five branches of Islamic banks under a combined platform, temporarily halting banking operations in the area.
Protesters alleged that they have been facing severe difficulties in withdrawing their own money for a long time. Many said they have fallen into financial hardship as they could not access funds when needed.
The branches that are locked belong to Exim Bank, Union Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Social Islami Bank in the Agrabad area.
Protesters said their demands are simple: cancellation of the ‘haircut’ and restoration of normal transactions. They warned of tougher protests if these demands are not met soon.
Abul Kalam Azad, president of the Combined Islamic Bank Customers Association, Chattogram, said they have been raising their demands peacefully for a long time, but no effective solution has been reached. He said the demands of 7.5 million customers need to be conveyed to the highest levels of the government.
He added that they are not seeking any special privileges, only the return of their deposited money and cancellation of the ‘haircut’.
Earlier, yesterday, depositors also protested at branches of Union Bank PLC and First Security Islami Bank in Khatunganj, demanding the same. They held a sit-in programme from morning to noon.
Protesters said that despite long-standing demonstrations, no effective solution has yet emerged, leaving many unable to withdraw large sums from their accounts.
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