A labor law case against Professor Yunus that dates back to 2021 was coming to a head in late August 2023, and could result in his imprisonment for up to six months on meritless charges. The first day of the trial was August 22, 2023. An international law firm has undertaken a high-level review of the case. On the basis of that review, it is the conclusion of the Protect Yunus Campaign that Professor Yunus is facing six months in prison for a crime that he not only did not commit, but that legally does not exist.
By way of background, Bangladesh is considered by Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index to rank 147 out of 180 in terms of how corrupt it is perceived to be (i.e., very corrupt), on a par with Iran and Guinea. Dissent and political opposition is not tolerated, with reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and the intimidation, harassment and arrest of journalists. It is widely alleged that Sheikh Hasina’s 2018 election to office was the product of election rigging. Events are moving quickly in Bangladesh, driven by a forthcoming election and a presumed desire to imprison Professor Yunus prior to that election.
Professor Yunus is the Chairman of Grameen Telecom. Four innocent board members of Grameen Telecom, including Professor Yunus, are now facing six months’ imprisonment in the immediate future, having been pursued by the Bangladeshi state in relation to various allegations regarding breaches of the Bangladesh Labor Act of 2006. The allegations relate to (a) employees not being converted to full-time status after an apprenticeship, (b) employees not being paid in lieu of annual leave, and (c) employees not being paid regarding the Workers Profit Participation Fund. The allegations are factually incorrect, and overlook the not-for-profit nature of Grameen Telecom. The employees of Grameen Telecom are receiving benefits as if they were regular employees, but Grameen Telecom has no provision for any permanent job structure precisely because it is a not-for-profit company, and employees are therefore appointed on a contractual basis.
Not only are the allegations entirely without merit, but the legal process being followed is wrong in law. Professor Yunus is being pursued criminally alongside his fellow defendants, when the Act only creates civil liability for the alleged breaches of it. The route the case has taken to date, from the initial investigation to its subsequent passage through various layers of the Bangladeshi court system, has been inappropriate, and is clear evidence of the Bangladeshi authorities’ and judiciary’s sanctioning of the persecution of Professor Yunus. Supporters of Professor Yunus have seen judges who have initially challenged the prosecution fall in line with the state’s narrative. A miscarriage of justice is happening and the Bangladeshi state must not be allowed to carry it to its conclusion.
Expect some strong statements of support for Professor Yunus in the days ahead.