Dr Yunus describes verdict as 'contrary to all legal precedent and logic'

Nobel peace laureate and founder of Grameen Bank Prof Muhammad Yunus described a labour court’s verdict against him as “contrary to all legal precedent and logic.”

On Monday, Labour Court No 3 of Dhaka, sentenced the microfinance pioneer and three top officials of Grameen Telecom to six months’ jail, with a fine of Tk 25000 each, in a case over violations of the labour law.

In a statement published by Yunus Centre, Dr Yunus said, “As my lawyers have convincingly argued in court, this verdict against me is contrary to all legal precedent and logic.”

The Nobel peace laureate pledged to serve the countrymen and the social business movement to the best of his ability.

“I will continue to serve the people of Bangladesh and the social business movement to the best of my ability,” the statement reads. 

Dr Yunus called on the people to speak out against injustice and in favour of democracy and human rights.

“I call for the Bangladeshi people to speak in one voice against injustice and in favour of democracy and human rights for each and every one of our citizens,” said the 83-year-old.

Yunus, along with three Grameen Telecom officials, managed to avoid prison, as they were granted bail on the condition of appeal yesterday.

After coming out of court following the verdict, Professor Yunus said he had been punished for a crime he didn’t commit.

“I have been punished for a crime that I haven’t committed,” Yunus told reporters during a brief interaction. “If you want to call it justice, you can.”