No political motives behind cases against Dr Yunus: FM

Staff Reporter :
Brushing aside global pressure, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has stated that there is no scope for political motives to harass Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus by the government.

“Those who are giving statements in favour of Dr. Yunus have an information gap on this matter.

The government has not filed any case against this Nobel laureate.

There is a case against his company for not distributing profits to the workers and for giving tax exemptions, and there is another case against him for tax evasion,” he said in a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

About the independence of the judiciary,
he further said, “Our judiciary is independent, and as a government, we cannot influence the judicial process.”

Asked about any global pressure due to Dr Yunus’ case, he said, “We don’t consider any pressure.

We believe there is an information deficit here.

Perhaps some prominent figures have said that Bangladesh is intimidating people of such a reputation.

In this context, they may have given statements.

It appears that there is an information deficit here, there is a reason for ignorance.”

He added, “We won’t make any comments on our own initiative. These are legal matters. We don’t want to make any comments.”

The Minister said, “We respect Dr. Muhammad Yunus as a renowned Nobel laureate.

He has come with respect for us. If prominent foreign leaders tell us to drop the case, it’s not possible on our side.”

In context, regarding the violation of labour laws and allegations of corruption against Dr. Yunus, a letter was sent last Monday to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, signed by more than four hundred leaders from various fields worldwide, including over a hundred Nobel laureates.

In reply to another question about foreign pressures on free and fair election, he said dismissed the notion and emphasised the government’s commitment to hold an election that is “free, fair, and credible,”
“We stand firm in our belief in conducting elections that are free and fair.

Our goal is to ensure an election that is deemed acceptable by all.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is dedicated to upholding the principles of a free, fair, and credible election,” he said.

Momen highlighted that the citizens of Bangladesh have consistently demonstrated their ability to make well-informed decisions at the right time, emphasising their consideration for their own well-being.
He further said, “We believe in democracy.

We are not under anyone’s pressure.”