ACC summons Dr Yunus, 12 others in embezzlement case

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned Grameen Telecom Chairman and Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus and 12 others on Thursday (October 5) for their alleged involvement in in the misappropriation of Tk25.22 crore from the company‍‍`s Workers Profit Participation Fund (WPPF).  

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah has confirmed the news to the reporters at the ACC headquarter on Tuesday.

The ACC chairman said the investigating officer summoned Dr Yunus for the purpose of investigation.

"It‍‍`s up to him whether he wants (Dr Yunus) to show up or not," he said.

Earlier, senior officials, including the ACC‍‍`s investigation officer, denied summoning 13 people, including Dr Yunus in relation to the embezzlement case. However, in the afternoon, the ACC chairman spoke to the media while leaving office.

The ACC chairman said, "It is not the job of the commission to interrogate anyone. The commission decides whether to file a case or not. A case has been registered in this regard and now the investigating officer will decide who he will call.”

“He will call whomever he thinks is necessary for the investigation. I came to know about this from the media. The investigating officer called him as he felt it necessary. Now if he (Dr Yunus) comes, that‍‍`s fine, and if he doesn‍‍`t, that’s his decision,” said Moinuddin Abdullah.

When asked whether Dr. Muhammad Yunus is being harassed, he responded, "Why should he be harassed? Based on the allegations of embezzlement of dividends of the workers, the ACC conducted an investigation and filed a case based on the investigation report from the Department Of Inspection For Factories And Establishments. Why do you call it harassment?"

In a letter to Dr. Yunus dated September 27th, the ACC said Dr Yunus’s statement was crucial for the thorough investigation of the money embezzlement case involving Tk25.22 crore against 13 accused, including the management council of Grameen Telecom Company.

"You are requested to be present at the ACC office at 12:30 pm on October 5th and cooperate in the investigation," the letter reads.