As Bank of Baroda gears up to celebrate its 118th Foundation Day on July 20, pride is giving way to pain, anger, and reflection among many of its officers. The celebrations are now being overshadowed by a tragic incident and a growing wave of unrest across the bank’s workforce.
A Celebration Derailed by Tragedy
Just days before the Foundation Day, a Chief Manager posted at Baramati, Maharashtra, died by suicide inside the bank premises. In the note he left behind, he reportedly cited work pressure and unbearable stress as the reason for taking the extreme step.
The shocking incident has sent ripples of grief and outrage across the banking community — and has reignited concerns about the toxic levels of stress, unrealistic targets, and lack of dignity at work that many bank officers silently endure.
Black Ribbons on July 21: A Silent Scream for Change
In response, the All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Union (AIBOBOU) has called for the observance of “Black Day” on July 21, urging all officers across the country to wear black ribbons while on duty. The protest is a symbolic yet powerful statement: “Enough of Humiliation and Harassment. Enough of Silence.”
According to the union’s official circular, the Black Day is not just about the recent suicide, but also a culmination of years of unresolved grievances:
Excessive workloads and performance pressure
Inhuman transfers and denial of promotions
Disregard for officer dignity and mental well-being
Harassment under the guise of compliance and targets
Management’s indifference to repeated union appeals
From Glory to Grief: Two Days, Two Stories
On July 20, branches will hoist banners and host customer outreach events celebrating 118 years of Bank of Baroda’s legacy — a legacy built on trust, growth, and service. Yet, on July 21, those same branches may silently mourn the reality behind the smiles — a workforce fatigued, unheard, and now grieving one of its own.
A Wake-Up Call for the Entire Banking Sector
This is not just a BoB issue — it’s a systemic crisis. Across public sector banks, officers are under pressure like never before, juggling loan disbursements, cross-selling, audits, compliance, and recovery — often without adequate manpower or support.
The suicide of a Chief Manager is not just a personal tragedy — it is a warning bell.
On July 21, the black ribbon will speak for thousands. Will anyone in power listen?
