Staff Reporter :
Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has alleged that eight establishments have been forcefully occupied by some individuals claiming to be officials of Grameen Telecom, a company chaired by him.
He informed that since February 12th, a few “so-called” employees of Grameen Bank have unlawfully seized the buildings, putting locks on them.
“If someone else were to put locks on their own homes, how would you feel? What’s the use of having laws and courts in the country if they do not seek justice? They do not want to go to court,” he expressed his discontent.
Addressing a press conference at the Grameen Telecom building in the city’s Mirpur area, Dr Yunus reiterated the allegations.
He also noted the lack of cooperation from the police or the government despite seeking redress in this matter. He said that he would seek refuge in the court in this regard.
Regarding the allegation of misusing Grameen Bank’s funds for establishing telecom businesses, he said, “There is no money from Grameen Bank involved here. There is no claim or dispute from the bank; that’s clear.”
“We have acted within the law. Now, we have to work in complex situations. Breaking the law would lead to disaster rather than resolving issues,” he said.
He further said, “We have followed all the laws. If they have ulterior motives, that’s their matter. This institution of Grameen Telecom has no rights.”
Alleging the non-cooperation and the police, he said, “We have not received any cooperation from the government either. We have not received any assistance from the police. If they had cooperated us, we would have been at peace. Let’s go through discussions and negotiations. But now, forced occupation has taken place.”
Meanwhile, outside the Grameen Telecom building, there was a demonstration where a group of people equipped with brooms raised slogans against Dr. Yunus.
The area was heavily guarded by a large number of police officers. The Grameen Telecom authorities claimed that these individuals were activists of the ruling Awami League party.
Executive Chairman of Grameen Communication Naznin said, “In the morning, I saw there was a demonstration taking place here. The gate has been blocked, and the city corporation’s sweeper is stationed here.”
“They are not allowing anyone to enter. I asked one person who they were, and he said they were from the Juba League,” she said.
Regarding the demonstration, Dr Yunus remarked, “We are also filing complaints against them. We wanted to take pictures with them. But before I arrived, they left.”
