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A Nobel laureate and pioneer of microcredit, Muhammad Yunus, along with 13 others, was indicted in Bangladesh on charges of embezzlement totaling over $2 million. Despite pleading not guilty, Yunus has been caught in a legal battle, claiming harassment from authorities and denying any involvement in corruption.
In a packed Dhaka courtroom, the special judge dismissed petitions to drop the charges related to Yunus’ non-profit organization, Grameen Telecom. The prosecution alleges the group misappropriated funds from the workers’ welfare fund and engaged in money laundering activities.
The judge found sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial, scheduled to begin on July 15. This comes after Yunus recently faced a six-month prison sentence for violating labor laws, for which he was granted bail.
Despite global support from leaders and fellow Nobel laureates urging the Prime Minister to halt legal actions against Yunus, the case continues amidst speculation of political motives. Supporters claim Yunus is being targeted due to strained relations with the government, while officials deny any such vendetta.
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