The Bangladeshi Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus faces legal challenges from the country’s judiciary. Over 170 world leaders are concerned about the prize winner.
Notable figures like Barack Obama and Ban Ki-moon have voiced their worries.
They wrote a letter to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, often called Asia’s Iron Lady, asking to halt the case against Yunus.
The letter also calls for a neutral review of the charges against him. Yunus hopes this global pressure will ensure a fair trial in Bangladesh.
His lawyer, Abdullah Al Mamun, says one of the trials is close to ending.
In reply, Hasina said if Yunus were innocent, he wouldn’t need international support. She also defended Bangladesh’s judiciary.
Yunus won his Nobel for founding Grameen Bank. The bank offers small loans to poor people, usually ignored by regular banks.
Yunus has had tense relations with Bangladesh’s authorities, especially since Hasina came to power.
A 2010 film claimed illegal fund transfers in the Grameen Group, worsening the situation.
Hasina also accused Yunus of getting the World Bank to cancel a big project’s funding, an allegation he denies.
Last year, a government audit led to a case against Yunus. It accuses him and three others of irregularly employing 100 workers.
BACKGROUND
Yunus has been a transformative figure in poverty alleviation through innovative banking methods.
His microcredit model has been adopted worldwide, providing loans to millions without collateral.
However, his journey hasn’t been without controversy, especially within his home country.
Tensions between Yunus and the Bangladesh government predate the current case, adding complexity to the matter.
Observers note that Yunus’ past political aspirations may fuel the strained relationship.
The international community continues to watch closely, with many hoping for a resolution that supports justice and democracy.