Govt neither harassed Dr Yunus nor fabricated charges: Anisul

Law Minister Anisul Huq has dismissed international statements and opinions alleging harassment of Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, asserting that the government did not fabricate any charges against him.

"The lawsuit was filed to ensure the rights of workers following proven incidents of labour rights violations during an investigation," the minister said yesterday at a press conference at his ministry to address international concerns.

"The trial is over. What is the point of external entities wanting to intervene now?" he said.

On 1 January, Grameen Telecom Chairman Dr Yunus, along with three other top officials of the institution, was sentenced to six months in jail in a case filed by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments on charges of violating labour law. The four were also fined Tk30,000 each.

Following the verdict, 120 prominent international figures expressed their concerns in a statement. Earlier, 12 senators had also expressed their apprehensions regarding this matter.

"No one is above the law, and if someone commits a crime, they must face the law," said the law minister.

"The country had long suffered from a lack of justice. The Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, has been the biggest victim of this impunity. We have established and will continue to establish the rule of law," he added.

Regarding the 2017 labour cases against Dr Yunus, Anisul Huq said, "Labourers filed more than 100 cases against Dr Yunus for violating their rights. These were later withdrawn after assurances were given. However, the labour department's investigation suggested ongoing violations at the institution.

"Dr Yunus was warned and advised to prevent these violations, but he ignored them. So, the labour department filed a lawsuit."

He also said Dr Yunus's appeals to dismiss the case were rejected by both the High Court and Appellate Division. "This means that the country's highest court has approved the conduct of this case."

The law minister said, "Dr Yunus has applied under Section 205 for adjournment of hearings in the case. The court has granted him adjournments each time he applied. The lawyers have presented their arguments.

"Similarly, under Section 342, the accused has the opportunity to give a statement. The accused have given their statement. Based on the documents presented in court, this section allows us to determine whether the accused is guilty or not."

On the nature and pace of court cases, he said, "Each case is different. Some cases are resolved quickly based on societal demands, like the Feni rape case and the Sylhet child murder case."

"Dr Yunus went to the Appellate Division and lost, subsequently paying 12 crore in taxes. One doesn't pay such an amount if they haven't evaded taxes," the minister said on the issue of tax evasion.

The minister said he regularly communicates with international labour organisations working to ensure labour rights in Bangladesh.

Upon being asked about the ongoing Sagar-Runi case investigation, the law minister said, "It may take time to identify the real culprits. It may even take 50 years; we must give it time."