UN interference undermines human rights, says ex-NHRC chief

The unwarranted interference of the UN in cases accusing Nobel laureate Dr Yunus of cheating his employees undermines human rights and condones infringement of the rights of the deprived workers, says former chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

"They (the UN and patrons and supporters of Yunus) are trying to conceal a grave crime like depriving the workers of their just shares with a Nobel Prize," Mizanur Rahman said on Thursday (Sep 7), describing the UN statement as "very unfortunate".

 

Analysts have accused Yunus of using his powerful friends, civil society, and a foreign public relations firm to influence the ongoing trial over depriving workers of their share of company profits.

 

Yunus has reportedly spent millions of dollars in a campaign spanning two continents to successfully convince global leaders—and now the UN—that he is innocent and a victim of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s grudge. His efforts have borne fruit.

 

In a tweet on Sep 5, the UN agency said it was "very concerned by the continued intimidation and legal harassment" of human rights advocates and civil society leaders, including Yunus. In a statement, the agency said "smear campaigns" against Dr Yunus, "often emanating from the highest levels of government, risk undermining his right to a fair trial and due process in line with international standards".

 

Analysts question the timing and purpose of the UN body’s statement, which many suspect is intended to unjustly influence the trial proceedings and thereby deny the workers their fair share.

 

Unwarranted interference

 

Mizanur Rahman said the statement from the rights council was regrettable. "Such a comment from an international agency when the trial process is ongoing is pure unwarranted meddling, which is not recognised under international law," the former NHRC chief said.

 

He noted that aggrieved workers, deprived of their share, moved the court seeking justice. "The court will decide how logical their demand is and deliver a verdict accordingly," he said.

 

"Does winning the Nobel Prize mean that someone is above the law?" he asked.

 

Meanwhile, Professor Mizanur Rahman, a former vice-chancellor of Jagannath University, said that Yunus is at fault for not paying 5% dividend to the workers according to the International Labour Organisation convention.

 

"That is why he is facing trial. And the government did not file a case. But he is using institutions like the UN Human Rights office to pressurise the government to drop the case. Which is totally unfair," he said.

 

The UN statement gives the impression that it is prioritising the protection of Dr Yunus’ interests because of his international fame while ignoring the workers fighting for their rights, analysts said.

 

Open letter undermining Bangladesh

 

A group of global dignitaries, including Nobel laureates, wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last month, urging her to suspend the trial proceedings against Yunus. The Grameen Bank founder has been accused of spending a hefty sum to collect the signatures of the dignitaries.

 

The letter, threatening in tone and a blatant deviation from diplomatic and political norms, was "deliberately aimed at humiliating not only Bangladesh’s leader but also the nation she happened to govern", analysts note.

 

A senior analyst said that the letter writers "talk down to the Prime Minister of a sovereign state in defence of an individual who happens to be battling some legal problems relating to his financial affairs".

 

Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank, is currently facing trial for violating the labour law. Prosecution lawyers say he could face fines or even jail time if the charges are proven. He has also been accused of money laundering, tax evasion, and depriving his workers.

 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the cases against Dr Yunus would continue as per the law and asserted that no statement can influence the trial process.

 

Disrespecting independent judiciary

 

Former diplomat Dr Waliur Rahman said the case that Dr Yunus wanted to cover up with money and the comments of foreigners about that case are regrettable.

 

He dismissed the complaint of harassment raised by Yunus and said that he is not being harassed; he has brought this harassment on himself.

 

Senior journalist Naimul Islam Khan termed the statement of the UN or the way the Nobel laureates asked to suspend the case a threat.

 

Former NHRC chief Mizanur said: "Such a comment from the UN Human Rights Commission shows blatant disrespect towards the judiciary of an independent country and its sovereignty, as well as indulges in infringing the human rights of the aggrieved workers."

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