More than 100 people were reportedly injured on Monday, 1 June after police deployed water cannons, tear gas shells, and sound grenades to disperse demonstrators gathered outside the Islami Bank head office in Dhaka's Dilkusha commercial area, according to local media reports. The crackdown came as protesters demanded the reversal of a controversial leadership appointment at one of Bangladesh's largest private banks.

What Sparked the Protest

The demonstration was organised jointly by the Islami Bank Disgruntled Customers' Co-ordination Council and the Islami Bank Customer Forum. Protesters were rallying against the appointment of former central bank Deputy Governor Md Khurshid Alam as the bank's new Chairman, describing the move as 'controversial.' They also demanded the reinstatement of Managing Director Omar Farooq Khan, who was recently placed on mandatory leave.

Demonstrators staged a road blockade in the Motijheel area, chanting slogans and displaying banners, while warning that Alam would not be permitted to enter the bank premises under any circumstances.

Police Response and Injuries

A large contingent of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) equipped with riot gear and water cannons was deployed to the site. According to witnesses cited in local reports, law enforcers fired tear gas shells and used water cannons, triggering panic and setting off a chase and counter-chase through the commercial hub.

The DMP confirmed that 10 police personnel — including the Assistant Commissioner (Patrol) of the Motijheel Zone — sustained injuries from stone-pelting by the crowd. Protest organisers claimed that at least 30 demonstrators suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation; the DMP categorically rejected this claim, stating that it did not open fire. The overall injury toll of over 100, as cited by protesters, could not be independently verified, according to Bangladeshi daily UNB.

What the Police Said

DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) NM Nasiruddin said the demonstrators had blocked major roads in the Motijheel area, causing severe traffic congestion, and had pelted police with brickbats. He added that a group of dismissed Islami Bank employees had applied for rally permission, which was denied by DMP headquarters, while the customer group had not sought prior permission at all. 'Police resorted to tear gas and water cannons to bring the situation under control,' Nasiruddin said.

Protesters' Allegations and Banking Concerns

Nurnabi Manik, President of the Islami Bank Disgruntled Customers' Co-ordination Council, condemned the police action in strong terms. 'We were holding a democratic and peaceful human chain to protect our deposits from being plundered by structural cronies of the fallen regime. The unprovoked and brutal use of force by the police on ordinary citizens is entirely unacceptable,' Manik said.

Manik further alleged that Islami Bank is facing a severe liquidity crisis, with retail customers reportedly unable to withdraw cash through branches and ATMs. He called on the Bangladesh central bank to immediately revoke Alam's appointment and reconstitute a board comprising genuine stakeholders. Injured individuals are reportedly receiving treatment at multiple hospitals across the capital.

Background and What Comes Next

This is the latest flashpoint in a broader governance dispute at Islami Bank Bangladesh, which has been embroiled in leadership controversies tied to the country's shifting political landscape. The standoff over Alam's appointment reflects deepening tensions between depositor groups and banking regulators. All eyes are now on the Bangladesh Bank — the central bank — and whether it will respond to demands for a leadership review amid the reported liquidity concerns.