Exiled Bangladeshi author and human rights activist Taslima Nasreen criticized Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, for widespread human rights violations in the country. Nasreen condemned Yunus for the prevalence of mob violence, lynching, and communal attacks, along with the mistreatment of women, despite his international advocacy for women’s economic empowerment.
Nasreen pointed out that Yunus, known for founding the microfinance organization Grameen America, has been serving as a Director and co-chair, receiving compensation for the past four years. She highlighted the disparity between Yunus’s global recognition and the alleged exploitation of poor Hispanic and Black women in the United States through Grameen America.
Expressing her distress, Nasreen emphasized the contrast between Yunus’s celebration of “economic independence” in America and the hardships faced by women in Bangladesh, including restrictions on freedom and safety. She criticized Yunus for what she described as moral hypocrisy rather than genuine empowerment.
Nasreen called for a reassessment of support for Grameen America by major donors and urged governments funding the organization to reconsider their positions. She raised concerns about Yunus’s leadership enabling potential crimes against religious and ethnic minorities, calling for action to sever ties with him to prevent complicity in ongoing human rights abuses.
