Weaponizing Labour Law: The Troubling Targeting of Nobel Laureate Mohammad Yunus in Bangladesh

Amnesty International Calls for an End to Harassment of Nobel Peace Laureate Mohammad Yunus in Bangladesh

Amnesty International has released a statement urging the authorities in Bangladesh to cease weaponizing labour laws and immediately stop their harassment and intimidation of Nobel Peace Laureate Mohammad Yunus. According to the human rights organization, Yunus, who is also the chairman of the board at Grameen Telecom, is facing criminal charges under the Labour Act 2006, along with three other board members.

A Blatant Abuse of Labour Laws for Political Retaliation

Amnesty International strongly believes that the criminal proceedings initiated against Mohammad Yunus and his colleagues for issues that belong to the civil and administrative arena are a clear abuse of labour laws and the justice system. They view this as a form of political retaliation against Yunus for his work and dissent. The organization argues that these actions violate international human rights treaties that Bangladesh is a party to, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The Beleaguered State of Human Rights in Bangladesh

Mohammad Yunus’ case exemplifies the deteriorating state of human rights in Bangladesh, where authorities have eroded freedoms and silenced critics. Agnès Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International, stated that the authorities’ misuse of laws and the justice system to settle personal vendettas is incompatible with international human rights standards. She called on the government to end this travesty of justice.

Prime Minister’s Attacks on Mohammad Yunus

Amnesty International highlights the public attacks made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina against Mohammad Yunus. Hasina has accused Yunus of “sucking blood from the poor” and even suggested that he should be dropped in the river Padma. These comments, combined with the Prime Minister’s insinuation that Yunus may face imprisonment, indicate a targeted campaign against the Nobel laureate.

The Unusual Speed of the Trial

Amnesty International points out the rapid pace at which the trial against Yunus is proceeding, raising concerns about fairness and due process. This expedited process stands in stark contrast to other labour rights-related court cases in Bangladesh, including incidents of employer negligence resulting in worker deaths. The organization highlights the need for accountability for such cases and calls on the authorities to focus on combating threats to labour rights, such as unsafe factories.

The Background of Mohammad Yunus and Grameen Bank

In 2006, Mohammad Yunus and Grameen Bank were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in creating economic and social development from below. Grameen Telecom, established in 1994 by Yunus, aimed to extend information technology to rural populations in Bangladesh.

The Allegations and Political Motivation

The ongoing trial against Yunus and his colleagues pertains to alleged violations of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 by Grameen Telecom. The charges include failure to classify employees as permanent workers, failure to provide annual leave with pay or compensation for earned leave, and failure to establish workers’ participatory and welfare funds. Amnesty International points out that the company Grameen Telecom is not named as a party in the case, indicating that it is politically motivated and aimed at harassing and intimidating Yunus.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The harassment and intimidation of Nobel Peace Laureate Mohammad Yunus is a grave violation of human rights and demonstrates the deteriorating state of freedoms and justice in Bangladesh. Amnesty International calls on the government to immediately halt the misuse of labour laws for political retaliation and to put an end to this blatant abuse of the justice system.

Instead of targeting individuals like Yunus, the authorities should concentrate on addressing extensive threats to labour rights, such as the pervasive issue of unsafe factories that claim the lives of thousands of workers in Bangladesh. It is essential to prioritize the accountability of companies that neglect safety standards and evade appropriate consequences.

The international community, including the United Nations, must exert pressure on the Bangladeshi government to respect and protect human rights, as well as ensure the fair treatment of individuals like Mohammad Yunus. The harassment of dissenting voices and the erosion of freedoms must be confronted and condemned.

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