Banking services in at least 20 banks in Patiya have come to a halt after former employees of six private banks staged protests on Sunday morning.

The demonstrators locked branch entrances, blocked ATM booths, and even occupied parts of the highway, leaving customers stranded without access to essential banking services.

Eyewitnesses said most protesters were residents of Patiya upazila, who were dismissed from Islami Bank Limited, Social Islami Bank Limited, Al-Arafah Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, and First Security Islami Bank in August last year following a change in government.

The dismissals, according to the sacked officials, were made on various allegations, but without due process.

The protests began around 9:00am, with demonstrators simultaneously gathering in front of all bank branches in Patiya municipal area.

They hung banners on main entrances, padlocked the gates, and blocked access to ATM booths, effectively halting all transactions.

Later, they moved their demonstration to Patiya Thana Mor, our correspondent reported.

“We couldn’t even enter the bank this morning. We’ve been stuck outside since then. No transactions are possible, and customers are leaving frustrated,” said Biplob Chakraborty, manager of Pubali Bank’s Patiya branch.

Protesters claimed they were unfairly and abruptly dismissed without prior notice or valid reasons.

They insisted their demonstrations remained peaceful, but shutting down banking operations across Patiya was part of their movement to demand justice.

Patiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Nuruzzaman said, “Police are in talks with the protesters to reopen the banks and reduce public suffering.”