Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has now become a controversial figure in the economic and political reality of Bangladesh. This Nobel laureate, once a champion of ‘social business’, is now publicly accused of abuse of power, worker exploitation, tax evasion, and illegal formation of foreign assets. The way he has expanded his business worth hundreds of billions of taka in just nine months by exerting influence inside and outside the government is a deep threat to the state.
1.Labor exploitation and violation of labor laws
The Grameen Communications company owned by Dr. Yunus has been accused of violating the right to organize of workers many times under the Bangladesh Labor Act 2006 (amended in 2018).
- In 2019, the Bangladesh Labor Court ruled that the joining of trade unions by workers at Grameen Communications was illegally suppressed.
- The international organization International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has expressed concern on this issue several times.
- Financial corruption and taxes Evasion
The Bangladesh Finance Ministry and the NBR have repeatedly alleged that Yunus’ group of companies have hidden crores of taka by evading prescribed taxes.
In 2023, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) imposed a fine of about Tk 111 crore against Grameen Telecom for tax evasion.
In addition, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) is investigating his money laundering abroad, where he is accused of building personal wealth in Europe.
International Investigations and Questions
Dr. Yunus has been investigated internationally by the Norwegian government development agency NORAD, where it is alleged that Norwegian aid money has been diverted to other institutions.
In 2011, the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) revealed that Yunus had diverted about $100 million from Grameen Bank.
- International Investigations and Questions
Dr. Yunus has been investigated internationally by the Norwegian government development agency NORAD On the other hand, where the allegations are made, the Norwegian aid money has been diverted to other institutions.
In 2011, the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) revealed that Yunus had diverted about $100 million from Grameen Bank.
- Taking advantage of BIDA by exerting influence
Under the leadership of the current BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, Dr. Yunus’ various business ventures have been granted government approvals and clearances at an unusually fast pace.
A related World Bank report mentions that in 7 foreign investment agreements between July and December 2024, various branches of the Grameen family were given priority opportunities, while the applications of other applicants were kept pending.
If there is no rule of law, even Nobel laureates are criminals
Dr. Yunus’s fraudulent activities are not just one person, but are a symbol of a systemic corporate crime. He used his Nobel reputation as a shield to deceive the country’s administration, judiciary and media for a long time Has arrived.
If a “social businessman” becomes a millionaire by eating workers’ rights, evading taxes, and using the government system—then it is no longer “social service” but a well-planned conspiracy against the state.
Shakhawat Hossain
American expatriate Bengali businessman.