Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC has attracted an extraordinary level of interest in its latest recruitment drive, with nearly 150,000 applicants competing for just two entry-level positions: Trainee Assistant Officer and Trainee Assistant Officer (Cash). The written examination for both posts is scheduled to take place on 1 November.
Although the bank has not officially confirmed how many individuals will ultimately be hired, senior officials indicated that approximately 3,500 candidates are expected to be recruited in phases. This is the bank’s first major recruitment announcement in several years and has generated an unprecedented response.
Years of Irregular Recruitment and Mismanagement
During the previous eight years under the Awami League government, Islami Bank came under the influence of the S. Alam Group, a Chattogram-based conglomerate that has faced long-standing criticism in the financial sector. Under its control:
- Nearly half of the bank’s funds were reportedly withdrawn and remain unrecovered.
- A total of 10,834 employees were recruited without any competitive examination.
- Of these, 7,224 were from Chattogram district.
- 4,524 were specifically from Potiya Upazila, the home area of S. Alam Group chairman Saiful Alam.
These appointments created significant operational and financial complications for the bank, particularly regarding overstaffing, inefficiency, and allegations of partisan hiring.
Regulatory Intervention and Restructuring
Following the fall of the Awami League government in August last year, S. Alam Group officials and their close associates reportedly fled the country. Bangladesh Bank subsequently intervened:
- Independent directors were appointed to lead the bank.
- The board of directors was fully restructured.
- Approximately 4,000 employees—primarily those recruited without proper procedures—were terminated.
This marked a major turning point for the institution, paving the way for the reintroduction of merit-based hiring practices.
Return to Competitive Recruitment
The current recruitment examination represents the bank’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism. Officials confirmed that additional hiring rounds for senior roles and various vacant posts will also follow.
When contacted, M. Kamal Uddin Jasim, Additional Managing Director (AMD) of Islami Bank, stated:
“We are conducting recruitment with full professionalism. There will be no scope for objections. More recruitment notices will be issued soon.”
Application Snapshot
| Details | Figures / Information |
|---|---|
| Total applicants | 146,000 |
| Positions advertised | Trainee Assistant Officer, Trainee Assistant Officer (Cash) |
| Expected recruitment | ~ 3,500 officers (in phases) |
| Exam date | 1 November |
| Employees recruited without exam during S. Alam tenure | 10,834 |
| Employees terminated after restructuring | ~4,000 |
The overwhelming response to the new recruitment circular highlights the massive demand for secure banking-sector employment in Bangladesh and marks a fresh chapter for Islami Bank as it attempts to restore credibility through rigorous and transparent hiring processes.