Bangladeshi diaspora raises concern on Nobel Laureate Prof. Yunus's sentencing by a Bangladeshi Labour Court 6 days before the country's General election.

Bangladeshi diaspora raised concern on politically motivated sentencing of Nobel Laureate Dr Yunus

Surma report: London January 05, 2024; Protesting the sentencing by a Bangladesh Labour Court of Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr. Yunus in a Global virtual meeting organised by Voice for Global Bangladeshis’ (VfGB); where Barristers, Doctors, Academics, Business leaders, Community Leaders from across the Globe took part.

Bangladesh’s one and only Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus was convicted of violating Bangladesh’s labour laws in a trial held in Dhaka on 1st January 2024, only six days before the country’s General Election which has been boycotted by all its opposition parties. The 83 year old Nobel Peace Laureate, credited with lifting millions out of poverty with his microfinance bank known worldwide as Grameen Bank, has earned the animosity of Sheikh Hasina, the present Prime Minister of Bangladesh who has accused him of ‘sucking blood’ from the poor. ‘I have been punished for a crime that I have not committed’, said Dr. Yunus.

Barrister Afzal Zami and Barrister Nazrul Khosru analysed the case and judgment in their opening remarks. The experts and speakers expressed their concern and said that “the trial was decried by most, as politically motivated and an example of the many political vindictiveness now prevalent in Bangladesh.” They also added, the instance established by Bangladesh authorities will create a long term effect for the image of the country.

The virtual meeting was presided over by the Chair of Voice for Global Bangladeshis’ (VfGB) Dr. Hasanat M. Husain MBE.

Mr Ohid Ahmed, Director General of VfGB conducted the meeting.

Among others, Mr Abu Taher Chowdhury, Shamsul Alam Liton (London, UK), Dr. Saifuddin Kichlu (London), Rehana Khanam Rahman OBE, Dr. A. Mannan (London), Dr. Sahali Begum (Cambridge), Fazlur Rahman Bakul (Vienna, Austria), Jahangir Kabir (Washington, USA), Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury (London) Dr. Rashed Nizam (Columbia, Missouri, USA), Jamal Khan (London), Badruzzaman (London), Masudur Rahman (London), Dr Humayer Chowdhury (Sydney, Australia), Nadir Daraz (New Castle), Hasan Mahmud (Toronto, Canada), Barrister Nazir Ahmed (UK), Sharafat Hossain Babu(Washington, USA), Anwarul Khan, Khandaker Sumon (London) attended the meeting.