The US has expressed concern over recent reports that the government of Bangladesh may pursue a tax evasion case against Prof Muhammad Yunus. It urged for fair treatment of the Nobel laureate. The United States had long admired and supported Prof Yunus’ significant achievements in improving the lives of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable citizens, particularly women, said the US State Department.
“We urge the government of Bangladesh to treat Dr Yunus in a fair and transparent manner, in keeping with Bangladeshi law and the principles of due process,” said the office of the spokesperson of the state department in Washington DC on Tuesday.
In reply to a taken question, it said the US supported the continued independence, effectiveness and integrity of Grameen Bank as an institution that promoted the welfare and development of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable people, particularly women.
“We also support the continuation of the Bank’s unique governance structure. We look forward to the selection of a highly qualified and acceptable managing director and a new chairman who are committed to sustaining the bank’s success,” said the spokesperson.
An astonishing 96% percent of its 8.3 million borrowers are women. Grameen Bank had played a pioneering role not only in developing microfinance as an economic model but in empowering ordinary people to lift themselves out of poverty and into a better life, said the reply.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s adviser HT Imam yesterday said the measures to be taken against Prof Yunus was cent percent transparent, reports BBC.
“There is nothing to be worried about. The process will follow the due course of law. There is no question of trial here; at best he [Yunus] will have to pay some fine with the tax he had evaded, nothing more than that,” said Imam.
-With The Daily Star input
