The wave of job cuts at Islami Bank Bangladesh has intensified, with another 200 employees dismissed this week for alleged violations of service rules. This marks the second round of layoffs in recent days, bringing the total number of terminated staff to 400.
Bank authorities said the move is part of an ongoing process to assess staff competence and maintain internal discipline.
The initiative followed a special competency assessment test conducted by Dhaka University’s Institute of Business Administration (IBA). Of the 414 employees who sat for the test, 364—or 88 percent—passed, while 50 others will be given training before re-evaluation. However, nearly 5,000 staff who did not participate have been placed on special duty (OSD) status until further notice.
According to multiple sources within the bank, those who lost their jobs were not dismissed solely for failing the test. Many were accused of spreading negative propaganda on social media, discouraging colleagues from sitting for the exam, and publicly opposing the bank’s policies.
The controversy dates back to 2017, when S. Alam Group took control of Islami Bank. Between then and August 2023, around 11,000 people were recruited—allegedly without proper announcements or competitive exams for 8,340 of them. The current assessment process primarily targets these recruits.
On August 21, Senior Principal Officer Md. Zia Uddin Noman of the bank’s Chaktai branch filed a petition with the High Court challenging the special test. The court directed Bangladesh Bank to resolve the matter, which later clarified that such evaluations fall under the bank’s own jurisdiction.
Dr. Kamal Uddin Jasim, Additional Managing Director and Head of HR Development at Islami Bank, said, “Our goal is not to terminate staff but to ensure competency and legitimacy. The majority of participants passed the test. Those who didn’t are being trained, and even employees unable to sit for the exam will be given another chance.”
Beyond testing, the bank has begun verifying employees’ academic credentials. In the first phase, certificates of 2,214 staff from six private universities were checked, with at least 30 fake certificates already identified.
As Bangladesh’s largest private bank, Islami Bank’s sweeping layoffs and qualification review carry implications beyond the institution itself. Analysts say it highlights pressing concerns over recruitment transparency, employee security, and political influence in hiring practices. While the move could set a precedent for other financial institutions, experts warn it may also trigger unrest among employees, affect service quality, and impact the bank’s long-term reputation.
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