Bangladesh - Bail Extended as Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Narrowly Avoids Imprisonment : Catherine Davison / DEVEX

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Excerpts:

"But in recent years, his widespread influence and popularity among high-profile figures in the West has been seen as a threat in his home country. In 2011, he was forced out as managing director of Grameen Bank, and in January he was handed a suspended jail sentence for alleged labor law violations — a crime which he says he did not commit and which supporters have decried as part of a broader vendetta against him by the ruling government. "

"The situation came to a head last month, as offices housing several independent social enterprises founded by the world-famous economist were seized. At a press briefing held outside the building on Feb. 15, Yunus said that 20 to 30 men claiming to be from Grameen Bank had forced their way inside in an “unlawful” takeover attempt, occupying the building for four days."

"But Hasina appears to be unconvinced, accusing him of being a “bloodsucker of the poor” and calling for him to be “plunged into the Padma River.”

“He should just be plunged in a bit and then pulled up so that he does not die, and then pulled up onto the bridge. That perhaps will teach him a lesson,” she said at a party conference."