A clash broke out between dismissed Islami Bank employees appointed during the tenure of S Alam and the Socheton Grohok Forum, a customers’ platform, in front of Islami Bank Tower in the capital’s Motijheel area on Monday.

The incident took place during a demonstration organised by the Islami Bank Socheton Grohok Forum, demanding the appointment of honest, qualified and professional individuals to the bank’s Board of Directors, as well as protesting alleged interference by the controversial S Alam Group, UNB reports.

Witnesses said an altercation initially broke out between the two sides outside the bank building, which quickly escalated into pushing, shoving and physical assaults.

The confrontation subsequently turned into a series of chases and counter-chases, resulting in multiple injuries on both sides.

Professor Nur Nabi Manik, president of the Islami Bank Socheton Grohok Forum, claimed that prior to the event, former employees who were terminated over allegations of illegal recruitment, alongside followers of S Alam, took position outside the building.

As the demonstration began, they launched an attack on the participating customers and shareholders, he said.

He further alleged that despite the presence of police, law enforcement officials failed to take effective measures to prevent the attack and instead dragged away members of the forum.

Statements or responses from the accused former employees or the opposing side could not be immediately obtained.

A police officer of Motijheel Police Station, speaking on condition of anonymity, said no incident took place in front of the Islami Bank head office.

“There was some tension in the area in the morning. Later, one side moved towards Shapla Chattar and took position there,” he said.

The officer said no clash took place between the two sides in the presence of police.

He also said he was unaware of any injuries in a clash and that neither side had so far filed any complaint with the police station.