Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Convicted in Bangladesh Labor Law Case

 

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Muhammad Yunus, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and well-known for his microfinance efforts, was found guilty in a Bangladeshi labor law dispute.

On Monday, January 2, 2024, a Dhaka court fined him 10,000 taka ($118) for breaking labor laws at his founded company, Grameen Communications.

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Eleven former workers of Grameen Communications filed the lawsuit, claiming they were let go for attempting to organize a trade union. They demanded payment and reinstatement, accusing Yunus of denying them their rightful benefits and privileges.

Yunus entered a not-guilty plea and declared he would appeal the decision. Yunus did not show up in court. His attorney claimed that the lawsuit was intended to damage his reputation and was driven by political motivations.

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Yunus entered a not-guilty plea and declared he would appeal the decision. Yunus did not show up in court. His attorney said that the action was politically driven and intended to discredit his accomplishments and reputation. Additionally, he said that because the workers were contract rather than permanent employees, they had no right to organize a union.

Renowned economist and social entrepreneur Yunus, 83, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work with Grameen Bank, a microfinance organization that gives small, collateral-free loans to the underprivileged, particularly women. He is recognized by many as the “father of microcredit” and a social business pioneer.

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But since attempting to enter politics in 2007, the Bangladeshi government has been hostile to him, causing him to endure a string of legal issues and harassment.