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Published : 13 Apr 2026, 03:58 PM
The Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has vented his fury at the government after the board of Islami Bank sent its managing director on forced leave.
On Monday, speaking at a seminar, he said everything is being monopolised, adding that after what he described as an “coup” at Bangladesh Bank, a new one has now begun at Islami Bank, the country’s largest bank.
He warned that Jamaat would not remain passive if this “malpractice” continues.
He was addressing the seminar titled “Government Against Referendum Verdict: Country at a Crossroads”.
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 percent of the country’s remittances is vital to the economy, warning that any threat to its existence could “severely” impact Bangladesh’s economic stability.
Addressing the government, he said: “We warn you, do not politicise this. If you politicise banks one after another, people will not spare you.”
He said banks ultimately belong to the people and urged citizens to rise, raise their voices and expose wrongdoing.
The Jamaat chief added that such actions must be stopped, pledging continued struggle not only for political change but also for a broader transformation of society.
He noted that whether it is the banking sector, the economy, industry, education, or the judiciary, his party will not stand by as a spectator.
He vowed to stand with the public and confront any "malpractice" alongside the people.
‘Restrain Your Tongues’
During the seminar, Shafiqur also called on the BNP to restrain its language.
He said no one wants to turn their children into anyone's slaves, nor will they tolerate a family monarchy ruling over the nation as a form of “fascism”.
He spoke about the need to break the "vicious cycle" of politics, expressing his exhaustion with parliament spending a third of its time praising individuals.
Shafiqur insisted that the focus should be on the people’s problems and finding transparent solutions rather than personal adulation.
He remarked that the "dark shadow of fascism" is reappearing in parliament.
The leader of the opposition observed that some individuals in the current government benches are speaking with the same contempt previously used against them.
He warned them to “restrain their tongues”, drawing shouts of agreement from the audience.
The Jamaat leader added that this generation, forged through the "July War”, does not fear any intimidation.
He reminded his listeners of the fate of those who behaved similarly in the past, suggesting that their consequences are visible to all.
Addressing the government again, he warned that wrongdoing leads to even harsher consequences over time, adding that the current trajectory suggests a similar path.
He accused those in power of concentrating control rather than engaging with the public.
