Warns misuse of laws could impact investment in Bangladesh
Staff Reporter :
In a recent press briefing, the United States State Department expressed deep concern over the legal proceedings involving Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh.
The department’s spokesperson, Mathew Miller, highlighted fears that the cases against Dr. Yunus might constitute a misuse of Bangladesh’s labour and anti-corruption laws, potentially aimed at harassing the renowned economist.
“We continue to closely monitor developments in the case against Dr. Yunus. There are concerns that these cases may represent a misuse of Bangladesh’s labour laws to harass and intimidate him,” stated Miller in response to inquiries about the situation.
The Committee for Democratic Bangladesh, a not-for-profit organisation representing Bangladeshi Americans, recently petitioned the US ambassador in Bangladesh regarding these legal issues concerning Dr. Yunus. The committee criticised what they perceive as inaction from the US government, alleging Dr. Yunus wields excessive influence through powerful American connections.
Miller refrained from commenting on specific claims made by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who recently asserted that Dr. Yunus was not the founder of the Grameen Bank. He also declined to address allegations that the US lobbied the World Bank to cancel funding for the Padma Bridge project.
“As a key economic partner to Bangladesh, we also worry that perceived misuse of labour and anti-corruption laws could raise questions about the rule of law and dissuade future foreign direct investment,” Miller emphasised, underscoring potential implications for bilateral economic relations.
Regarding Bangladesh’s recent diplomatic engagements, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia, Miller reiterated the US stance on international relations.
“We understand that countries engage with China. We engage with China,” Miller stated, emphasising ongoing diplomatic interactions between the US and China.