Uproar Over Leaked Audio of Conversation Between Jamaat Leader and Islami Bank Director

A portion of a conversation has allegedly been leaked between Md. Abdul Jalil, Independent Director of Islami Bank Bangladesh, Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, Secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South, and several officials and employees of the bank regarding the distribution of responsibilities inside and outside polling centers. After the matter surfaced, it triggered renewed debate across political circles and social media.

It has been learned that, considering public importance, parts of the relevant conversation have been revealed, where discussions took place regarding the possible election-related duties of Islami Bank officials, center security, and duty plans.

Questions Resurface Over Bank–Jamaat Links

Following the leak claim, the longstanding debate over potential links between Islami Bank and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has resurfaced. However, in a statement on 28 October, Jamaat’s Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar clearly stated, “Jamaat-e-Islami has no organizational or administrative relations with Islami Bank.”

But the new allegation of leaked conversation has raised public questions once again.

Earlier, on 26 October, Jamaat-e-Islami issued a statement expressing concern, which spread on social media. Jamaat made the comment after the BNP requested the Election Commission not to assign officials and employees of Islami Bank, Al-Arafah Islami Bank, and Islami Bank Hospital for national election duties.

Jamaat’s Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said, “BNP’s demand is politically motivated, unreasonable, and unacceptable.”

He further added, “These institutions have been operating non-political and service-oriented activities for many years. Their officials and employees have been performing their duties with integrity. Therefore, there is no reason to question their neutrality.”

In his words, “Such allegations may create instability and disorder surrounding the election.”

What Was BNP’s Allegation?

On 23 October, a BNP delegation met with the Chief Election Commissioner and alleged that “some officials and employees of these banks may have political biases, so they should not be engaged in election duties.”

After the meeting, the party’s Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan said, “The Election Commission has informed us that it is taking the matter seriously.”

Who Is Md. Abdul Jalil?

The person whose name is linked to the leaked conversation is Md. Abdul Jalil, Independent Director of Islami Bank, who is considered one of the most experienced and well-known Islamic bankers in the country.

Abdul Jalil joined Bangladesh Bank as an official in 1983, served in various positions at Islami Bank from 1984 to 2013, and retired as Deputy Managing Director of Al-Arafah Islami Bank in 2017.

His expertise in banking, investment management, international trade, and offshore banking is highlighted in Islami Bank’s official profile.

Silence Over the Authenticity of the Leaked Audio

Despite claims of the audio leak, Islami Bank, relevant Jamaat leaders, and the Election Commission have not made any official statement. It is also unknown whether the matter will be verified or investigated.

However, many in the political sphere believe that such information becoming public before the election will undoubtedly remain at the center of discussion.