The US government has voiced concern about recent reports that the government of Bangladesh may pursue a tax evasion case against Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus and urged the government to treat him in a fair and transparent manner in keeping with Bangladesh law and the principles of due process.
“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. We’re concerned,” said a spokesperson of US State Department on taken questions.
The US State Department spokesperson said the United States has long admired and supported Professor Yunus’ significant achievements in improving the lives of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable citizens, particularly women.
The United States supports the continued independence, effectiveness, and integrity of Grameen Bank as an institution that promotes the welfare and development of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable people, particularly women.
The spokesperson said the US also supports 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.”
Grameen Bank is an engine of social entrepreneurship and prosperity for millions of Bangladeshis, and has an impressive track record improving the lives of the poor, especially women and girls.
An astonishing 96 percent of its 8.3 million borrowers are women. Grameen Bank has 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.
Commenting on the political situation in Bangladesh with impending elections, the spokesperson said, “We’ve repeatedly urged the leaders of the major parties in Bangladesh to come together and agree on a way forward that will ensure free, fair, and credible elections in the coming months. What the way forward looks like is for the parties of Bangladesh to decide; however, nonviolence is essential to any solution.”
Meanwhile, Secretary Kerry has written to the Prime Minister and to Begum Khaleda Zia, encouraging them to engage in constructive dialogue on a way forward, it added.
Source: UNBConnect