Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus on Saturday said despite having multiple offers to permanently reside in other countries, he chooses to remain in Bangladesh as a proud citizen of the country, reports DW.
The eminent economist made the statement in response to a query posed by Khaled Muhiuddin regarding why Dr Yunus chooses to remain in Bangladesh despite receiving invitations to permanently reside in various countries and manage social businesses.
The Nobel laureate firmly said: "Are you suggesting that I should leave the country? Am I so undesirable that I must depart? I am a citizen of this nation, and I intend to stay."
In an exclusive interview with DW conducted by Khaled Muhiuddin, Prof Yunus openly addressed diverse topics, encompassing microcredit, social business, and the ongoing legal proceedings against him.
When questioned about democracy, he said: "We are proponents of democracy, advocates for human rights, and champions of justice. Without these pillars, our national integrity cannot be sustained."
Expressing his thoughts on the current state of dialogue surrounding democracy, the esteemed economist said: "It appears that discussing democracy is becoming increasingly challenging."
Regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said: "Perhaps she perceives me as the country`s foremost criminal, terrorist, or a notorious thief. I am unjustly accused of being a usurer or a corrupt individual."
Encouraging individuals aged 12 to 35 to embrace social entrepreneurship, he said: "We are not destined solely for employment. Each of us harbors an entrepreneurial spirit."
In addressing inquiries regarding tax evasion, Yunus clarified, "I have voluntarily decided not to possess the wealth I earn. Hence, I opt to donate it to our trust, as advised by our legal counsel, thus eliminating any tax liabilities."
Within 24 hours of being notified by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to settle his tax dues, Professor Muhammad Yunus promptly complied.
Regarding the current legislation advocating for the allocation of 5% of company dividends to workers, Yunus questioned its feasibility, saying: "How can workers benefit if the company isn`t profitable? This concept seems impractical."
Offering insights into combating money laundering abroad, he advocated for the enforcement of the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of legal compliance.
In a recent press conference, Prof Yunus disclosed that his institution had been forcibly seized, expressing concerns over the prevailing situation.
"We are living in fear. People are congregating outside our premises, and we find ourselves in a precarious position."
In a press conference on February 15, Dr Yunus said voiced his apprehensions regarding the future of welfare-oriented organizations, like Grameen Kalyan.
He alleged that eight establishments at Grameen Telecom Bhaban were under siege.
Dr Yunus said that despite repeated pleas, the local police station did not even accept their case. Now his legal team would be compelled to seek redress through the court.
He said some 22 people, including some retired armed forces officials, first forcibly entered the Grameen Telecom Bhaban premises on Monday afternoon. Subsequently, they proceeded to lock many of the offices within the building, claiming affiliation with Grameen Bank.
On February 5, the High Court ordered that Nobel Laureate Prof Yunus and three other Grameen Telecom officials must inform the Labour Appellate Tribunal before going abroad.
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