TDS Desk:

Former employees of IFIC Bank are calling for the resignation of Salman F Rahman, chairman of the private bank, along with his son and all directors representing Beximco Group.

The group also demands the reinstatement of employees who were unjustly dismissed during the tenure of former Managing Director (MD) Shah A Sarwar.

On Sunday, more than 200 individuals gathered at IFIC Bank’s head office in Purana Paltan, Dhaka, under the banner “All Dismissed Officials of IFIC Bank” to protest.

Salman F Rahman, a former adviser to Sheikh Hasina on Private Industry and Investment and vice-chairman of Beximco Group, has not been seen publicly since the fall of the Awami League government. His son, Ahmed Sayan Fazlur Rahman, serves as the vice-chairman of IFIC Bank.

The protesters accused Salman F Rahman of embezzling billions of takas with the assistance of former MD Shah A Sarwar, who is now an adviser to the bank. Sarwar is alleged to have created a hostile work environment, leading to the forced resignation of many employees.

Among the nine demands put forward by the protesters are the immediate reinstatement of those who were forced to resign, promotion and salary increments for employees who have reached retirement age, and payment of dues.

Other demands include not rescheduling loans for intentional defaulters, not waiving interest on loans, quick recovery of defaulted loans, dismissing corrupt officials, eliminating the culture of fear among bank employees, holding Shah A Sarwar and his associates accountable, and promoting employees who have yet to receive promotions.