Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury spoke at the Jatiya Sangsad today. Photo: Video Screenshot

SANGSAD BHABAN, June 9, 2026 (BSS) - Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today reiterated that the government would not compromise on maintaining financial discipline in the country.

“Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) believes in financial discipline and will not compromise on it under any circumstances,” he said in the Jatiya Sangsad today in response to the opposition’s demands for the return of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC shares to their alleged rightful owners and an end to what Jamaat-e-Islami lawmakers described as unwarranted interference in the bank’s management.

The issue was raised in the Jatiya Sangsad today through a notice of public importance submitted by Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman under Rule 68 of the Rules of Procedure.

Opening the discussion, the finance minister said the BNP has a longstanding record of ensuring macroeconomic stability and prudent financial management whenever it has been in office.

“When we speak about macroeconomic stability, investment and financial prudence, we do not merely talk about them — we implement them,” Khosru added.

He said financial discipline remains essential for restoring confidence in the economy and strengthening the banking sector at a time when the government is working to stabilise what he described as a fragile economic situation inherited from the previous administration.

Addressing concerns over recent developments at Islami Bank, the finance minister rejected suggestions that the appointment of a bank chairman could trigger large-scale withdrawals by depositors.

“There is no precedence anywhere in the world where depositors withdraw funds simply because of the appointment of a chairman,” he said. “Customers care about whether their money is secure and whether the bank remains trustworthy.”

Khosru alleged that organised efforts were being made to create instability around the bank through demonstrations and agitation both inside and outside its premises. He said certain groups were attempting to undermine public confidence in the institution.

The minister stressed that the government remains committed to safeguarding the banking sector and ensuring that Bangladesh Bank can perform its regulatory responsibilities independently and in accordance with the law.

He said the central bank is working through legal procedures to restore ownership and management structures to their lawful stakeholders and urged all parties to allow the process to continue without disruption.

Highlighting BNP's economic record, Khosru said previous BNP governments maintained strong macroeconomic fundamentals and understood the critical importance of a stable financial sector.

“The importance of the financial sector in building a stable and prosperous Bangladesh can’t be overstated,” he said. “No one appreciates that necessity more than BNP,” he added. 

Cautioning against activities that could erode confidence in financial institutions, Khosru said disorder in or around banks could have serious consequences for the broader economy.

“We want a stable Bangladesh. The government is committed to restoring economic strength, and that requires a disciplined and credible financial system,” said the minister. 

Taking part in the discussion, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said all allegations relating to Islami Bank should be thoroughly investigated.

He referred to a Tk 700 crore loan reportedly extended to Nabil Group against letters of credit, alleging that the proceeds were not returned to the bank after the goods were sold.

The minister said questions had also been raised regarding the use of corporate social responsibility funds, recruitment practices, loan disbursements and alleged political activities linked to the bank.

He claimed that around 9,000 employees were dismissed after the takeover of the bank without due process, while approximately 6,000 new employees were recruited.

“We want investigations into all allegations, including loan approvals, use of CSR funds, recruitment practices, election-related financing and money laundering,” he said.

Salahuddin also called for investigations into allegations involving the S Alam Group and all claims of financial irregularities during both previous and interim administrations.

Addressing criticism over the appointment of the new chairman, the home minister said Bangladesh Bank had informed the government that no allegation against the official had been proven.

“Under the principle of presumption of innocence, he is entitled to that benefit,” Salahuddin said, adding, “If new allegations emerge, they will be investigated.”

In his notice, Dr Shafiqur Rahman alleged that Islami Bank had gradually begun recovering after the fall of what he termed the "fascist regime" and was regaining customer confidence.

He claimed the bank's profit had increased from Tk 108 crore to Tk 137 crore within a year, but alleged that a new attempt was underway to gain control of the institution through the appointment of controversial figures to key positions.

According to the notice, individuals facing corruption allegations had been placed in leadership roles, while the managing director was forced to resign due to undue interference in management affairs.

Dr Shafiqur argued that although Islami Bank is often portrayed as a Jamaat-affiliated institution, its customer base includes people from all political parties, faiths and social backgrounds.

“This is everyone's bank,” he said. “Its customers include BNP supporters, members of other political parties and people of different religions,” he added. 

Referring to the appointment of a former deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank as chairman of Islami Bank, he alleged that the individual had previously been linked to irregularities and had cooperated with the controversial activities of the S Alam Group during the previous administration.

“Placing such a person at the top of a bank that is trying to recover cannot be justified,” he said.

The Jamaat chief warned that further instability at Islami Bank could have serious consequences for the country's banking sector.

“Islami Bank is a pyramid of trust. If that trust is damaged, public confidence in the entire banking system could be affected,” he said.

He urged the government to return shares that were allegedly acquired through coercive means to their original owners at the original value and then reconstitute the bank's board in accordance with legal procedures.

“We will fully support such a process,” he said.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher and Jamaat lawmakers Saiful Alam Khan, Nurun Nesa Siddika and Mardia Mumtaz also participated in the discussion, expressing concern over the future management and ownership structure of Islami Bank.

During the discussion, both the government and opposition lawmakers stressed the need to protect depositors' interests and maintain confidence in the banking system.