DHAKA, In a verdict that has sparked controversy, Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, renowned for his groundbreaking microfinance initiatives, was convicted on Monday of violating Bangladesh’s labour laws. The case, widely criticized as politically motivated by Yunus’s supporters, adds another layer to the strained relationship between the Nobel laureate and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Yunus, aged 83, was accused, alongside three colleagues from Grameen Telecom, of breaching labour laws by failing to establish a workers’ welfare fund in the company. The labour court in Dhaka handed down a sentence of “six months’ simple imprisonment” to all four, as confirmed by lead prosecutor Khurshid Alam Khan. However, they were immediately granted bail, allowing them to pursue appeals against the conviction.
Prime Minister Hasina, who once viewed Yunus as a political rival, has previously accused him of exploiting the impoverished population, stating he was “sucking blood” from the poor. The charges and conviction are seen by many as a continuation of the strained relationship between Yunus and the political leadership.
Yunus, a recipient of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize, played a significant role in lifting millions out of poverty through his microfinance bank. Despite the conviction, he and his colleagues vehemently deny the charges. A small rally in support of Yunus took place outside the court, with dozens expressing solidarity.
In response to the verdict, Yunus stated to reporters, “I have been punished for a crime that I haven’t committed. If you want to call it justice, you can.” The Nobel laureate is facing additional charges related to labour law violations and alleged graft, totaling over 100 accusations.
Yunus emphasized that the numerous social business firms he established were not for personal gain. The situation adds uncertainty to Yunus’s legal battles and raises concerns about the broader implications for social entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.
By AFP
