More than 170 global leaders and Nobel laureates, including former US president Barack Obama, have come together to support Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and urge Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to suspend all legal actions against him. Professor Yunus, known for his pioneering work in microfinancing and anti-poverty campaigns, is currently facing multiple court cases in Bangladesh. The open letter addressed to Prime Minister Hasina emphasizes the concern over what the signatories believe is continuous judicial harassment against Professor Yunus.

The letter expresses confidence that a thorough review of the anti-corruption and labor law cases against him would result in his acquittal. It further calls for an end to the persecution faced by Professor Yunus, highlighting the importance of his contributions as a humanitarian and Nobel laureate. Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reinforced her support for Professor Yunus, urging the international community to stand together in demanding an end to the persecution he is facing. She called on people to join the movement and support him in his moment of need.

Clinton's post on social media platforms aimed to garner widespread support and bring global attention to the situation. In response to the global leaders' appeal, Prime Minister Hasina proposed that international experts be sent to review the allegations against Professor Yunus. She asserted confidence that such a review would reveal additional allegations against him and emphasized the independence of Bangladesh's judiciary. However, she criticized Professor Yunus for seeking international support, stating that if he believed he had committed no crime, there would be no need to seek statements at an international level. The ongoing dispute between Professor Yunus and the incumbent government dates back to 2008 when investigations were initiated against him.

Speculations suggest that Prime Minister Hasina's anger grew when Professor Yunus announced his plan to form a political party in 2007. Though Professor Yunus did not proceed with the plan, he criticized politicians in the country, alleging their sole interest was money. The government began reviewing the activities of Grameen Bank, the micro-lending institution founded by Professor Yunus, leading to his dismissal as its managing director on charges of violating government retirement regulations. He was subsequently put on trial for receiving money without government permission, including his Nobel Prize award and book royalties.

With the recent filing of cases against Professor Yunus by former Grameen Telecom workers and his ongoing trial for alleged violation of labor laws, the situation has escalated further. His advocates have labeled these cases as harassment and vowed to fight the allegations. The global support for Professor Yunus underscores the significance of his work and his contributions to combating poverty. The open letter and Clinton's call for action reflect the international concern over the perceived persecution he is facing. As the legal proceedings continue, Professor Yunus' supporters believe that a fair review of the allegations will result in his acquittal, allowing him to continue his humanitarian endeavors and the microfinancing initiatives that have earned Bangladesh global recognition.