Government to take action over alleged harassment of Dr Yunus in US: PM's Adviser

The government will take necessary action over an alleged attempt to harass Dr Muhammad Yunus, former chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, while he was in the United States, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Zahed Ur Rahman has said.

He warned that the government would not allow such incidents to go unchallenged if members of the Awami League based abroad were involved.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Tuesday, October 13, on the progress of government activities and current affairs, Zahed Ur Rahman said the government had learned of an alleged attempt to harass Yunus at an airport in the United States.

According to the adviser, allegations had emerged that Yunus was targeted in connection with his assumption of three state responsibilities after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina left the country.

Zahed Ur Rahman said political or policy differences over the interim government’s performance were legitimate. He noted that he had also criticised several decisions of the interim administration while in Bangladesh. However, he stressed that attempting to harass someone over differences of opinion was unacceptable and that the government would take necessary action against such incidents.

The adviser also said there had been allegations of an attempt to subject a senior state minister to similar treatment. He added that an actress who had expressed solidarity with the July uprising, along with several people involved in the movement during the interim government’s tenure, had also reportedly faced harassment.

He said the government viewed these incidents as acts of terrorism by the Awami League.

Regarding possible action over the incident involving Yunus, the adviser said the government would examine whether the special security arrangements and state protocol applicable to a former chief adviser travelling abroad had been properly ensured. He added that legal proceedings had already begun in connection with the incident involving the actress.

Ruling out the possibility of a political settlement with the Awami League, Zahed Ur Rahman said the party faced allegations of serious crimes, inciting violence and creating instability both at home and abroad. In his view, there was no realistic prospect of reconciliation with the party under the circumstances.

He also stressed that individuals accused of serious criminal offences must be brought to justice.