Dhaka, Apr 23 (V7N)— The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has dismissed the money laundering case against Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, effectively clearing him of all charges related to the embezzlement of Tk 252.2 million.
A four-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, delivered the verdict on Wednesday, granting Dr. Yunus' appeal against a previous High Court ruling that had upheld the continuation of the case.
The case, originally filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Deputy Director Gulshan Anwar Pradhan on May 30, 2023, alleged that Dr. Yunus and 13 others had illegally transferred funds—an offense under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Charges were formally framed on June 12, 2023, by Judge Syed Arafat Hossain of Dhaka’s Special Judge's Court-4. However, after Dr. Yunus assumed the role of Chief Advisor on August 8, the ACC withdrew the case just three days later, sparking legal debate and controversy.
Dr. Yunus’ legal team then filed an appeal, challenging the legitimacy of the case and the ACC’s unilateral handling. Today’s ruling by the Appellate Division now brings the matter to a close.
Confirming the development, ACC lawyer Asif Hasan said the court's decision has been accepted, and no further appeal will be made.
The verdict is seen as a significant legal and political victory for Dr. Yunus, who has been under intense scrutiny since taking charge of the interim government.
END/MSS/AJ
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