21 May 2017, Sun, 8:56

Anarchic situation intensifies after government sponsored silent coup in Islami Bank: 7 directors threaten to step down

A group of Islami Bank directors have decided to step down if any of them has to resign under duress.
Seven directors of the private commercial bank issued a press release in this regard yesterday.
Earlier on May 11, Syed Ahsanul Alam, vice-chairman and an independent director of the bank, on his Facebook page wrote that he was under pressure from some groups to resign from the post.
According to the release, the issue was taken into consideration at a board meeting on May 13 and the directors pledged to be united if they received any threat.
Expressing concern at the latest developments, the meeting decided to bring the issue to the notice of Bangladesh Bank.
The board also decided to remove the top “anti-state officials” from their posts, said the seven directors.
The press release said if any director has to resign under duress, the others will also have to quit in similar circumstances.
The seven signatories to the statement are Syed Ahsanul Alam, Abdul Matin, Borhan Uddin Ahmed, Syful Islam, Qazi Shahidul Alam, Abdul Mabud and Helal Ahmed Chowdhury.
On Thursday, Arastoo Khan, chairman of the bank, alleged that Vice-chairman Ahsanul Alam violated his oath of office by spreading propaganda about the bank.
The chairman admitted that a division was created within the board of directors which was unfortunate.
Contacted, Director Shahidul Alam said he signed the media statement protesting the threat to his colleague.
Despite repeated attempts, this correspondent couldn't reach the bank chairman over the phone for comment.
In January, the government sponsored a silent coup within the bank structure. Previous elected entire board of directors was ousted and the managing director was forced to resign. Later former secretary Arastoo Khan was made the new chairman of IBBL under the backing of the government’s interference and brought major changes to key positions.
At that time, Ahsanul was also elected as the vice-chairman.