TDS Desk:

Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus has appealed to the High Court to cancel the proceedings of the money embezzlement case lodged against him.

The application is scheduled to be heard by the high court division bench of Justice Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Kazi Ibadat Hossain.

Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun, lawyer of the defendants’ told BSS, “The application has been made on behalf of 7 people including Dr Muhammad Yunus.”

Judge Syed Arafat Hossain of the Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 ordered to frame charges against 14 including the noble laureate, for embezzling around Tk 25.22 Crore from the Grameen Telecom welfare fund, reports BSS.

July 15 has been fixed for the hearing on charge-framing.

The Committee for a Democratic Bangladesh, a non-profit platform of Bangladeshi Americans, has written to US Ambassador Peter Haas regarding legal issues surrounding Dr Muhammad Yunus. The letter highlights that employees of Dr Yunus sued him for unlawfully withholding dues.

“Trial court found Dr Yunus was not paying his taxes either. He was found guilty and sentenced to jail term. But strangely, Dr Yunus, even now, faults Sheikh Hasina for his miseries,” the letter reads.

The platform requested the US Ambassador to present their views to President Joe Biden. The message was also sent to Senator Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, and the political desk of the US State Department.

The letter claims Dr Yunus is a beneficiary of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s support. It notes that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina granted licenses for his microfinance loan program and other ventures, such as Grameen Phone, and Grameen Bank with the Government of Bangladesh, which contributed Tk 500 crores for its initial capitalisation.

“I think, the President of the United States was overwhelmed by Dr Yunus’ too-powerful American lobby. I feel the US Government should ask for a UN audit of all ventures controlled by Dr Yunus. US and CIA must be in the know about 43 attempts to kill Sheikh Hasina,” wrote Khalid Hasan, Convener of Committee for a Democratic Bangladesh, in the letter on behalf of the platform.

The letter also references the August 21, 2004, grenade attack intended to assassinate Sheikh Hasina.

“BNP leader Tarique Rahman together with home minister of BNP Government, conspired and executed a violent grenade attack on a post-demonstration assembly of Awami League leaders and organisers. Sheikh Hasina was saved miraculously,” reads the letter.

At least 31 people, including Ivy Rahman, wife of Awami League’s first General Secretary Zillur Rahman, were killed. Most survivors were injured by grenade splinters. The attack aimed to eliminate the leadership of the Awami League.

The letter criticizes the lack of action from the US government and the silence of Nobel Peace laureate Dr Yunus regarding the attack.

“Sadly, there was no action by US. They did not ask for resignation of BNP Government. Surprising also was the silence of the Nobel Peace laureate Dr Yunus. He did not condemn the grenade killing, nor did he console the victim’s family or party,” reads the letter.

The Committee emphasises that the continuation of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister is crucial for national development and legal reform. It draws a parallel with America’s fight for independence 200 years ago.

“Bangladesh must assert its “war of independence ideals” and put a rein on the Islamic fundamentalists and terrorists. Sheikh Hasina is earnestly pursuing this policy. We must let her continue unabated,” the letter concludes.