IID’s CEO, Syeed Ahamed, was among 14 prominent citizens who recently raised concerns about the harassment and legal actions faced by Nobel Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus. In a joint statement published on 5 January 2024, the group expressed their alarm over the biased use of the law, calling for an end to the harassment.
The citizens, which include notable academics, lawyers, and human rights activists, emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial neutrality and upholding the rule of law. They condemned the recent verdicts and legal proceedings against Prof. Yunus, which they believe are politically motivated and detrimental to the principles of justice.
In their statement, the citizens urged the government to stop the misuse of legal instruments as a tool for political retribution. They also highlighted the significant contributions of Prof. Yunus to the nation and the global community, warning that continued harassment could tarnish Bangladesh’s reputation on the international stage.
The signatories to the statement are economist Hossain Zillur Rahman; jurist Shahdeen Malik; rights activists Hameeda Hossain, ZI Khan Panna, Khushi Kabir, Shaheen Anam, Shireen P Huq, Shamsul Huda, Khairul Islam, Faruq Faisel, and Syeed Ahamed; environmental activist Syeda Rizwana Hasan; and educationists Rasheda K Choudhury and Shahnaz Huda.
This collective appeal reflects the growing concern among civil society about the increasing use of legal mechanisms to target individuals for their political or social standing. IID remains committed to advocating for justice, democracy, and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh.
Here are some links to the national newspapers that published the statement: