Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who has been facing charges of depriving workers of their rights, held a press conference on February 15 and made startling claims about an institution he had owned earlier Grameen Bank.
The entire press conference was loaded with claims to make one believe that Grameen Bank, an institution now having 10.5 million members, belonged to him but taken over forcefully.
With the bank authorities and members took up a step to stop the unlawful occupation of these buildings by Yunus that continued till decades, Yunus came up with his favorite trump card: media reportage echoing his version of events.
But reality is completely different as a statement of Grameen Bank authorities cleared the air.
Now let’s take a look at lies peddled in the press conference and what is truth
Claims: “Several of My houses are force fully taken over”
Reality: How Yunus occupied ownership
What Yunus referred to his houses are actually companies belonged to over 10.05 million members from Grameen Bank, a micro-credit lender. All the companies were built on the money from the bank. Only because these companies were set up during Yunus’s stint as Managing Director, he forcefully taken control and had occupied these companies for decades as long as he held grip over Grameen Bank. But now under a new administration, Yunu’s misappropriation tumbled out of closet and the companies are returned to original owners.
Claims: The occupation took place without prior knowledge, I don’t know who they are.
Reality: YUNUS was present during handing over
On the day of handing over ownership, Yunus himself was present, cheerfully welcomed the group comprised of some of the existing members from Grameen Bank and gracefully hosted the delegation. So Yunus is very much aware of the facts, nothing happened before his prior knowledge.
Claims : Every institution in the compound has been built on the profit earned from business. So Grameen Bank holds no jurisdiction to interfere in any activities involving the companies. The occupation of these buildings should belong to Yunus.
Reality: Yunus misappropriated funds
During his stint as the Managing Director of the bank, Yunus misappropriated funds from the bank and built as many as 28 institutions under the same name. Despite funded by Grameen Bank, Yunus changed the ownership of these buildings in his name, depriving each of the members of the bank. A recent meeting of top decision-making bodies-initiated steps to stop the illegal occupation by Yunus and get the ownership back to appropriate authorities.
Claims : All the 16 companies housed in the building are owned by Yunus given he has remained the chair of all these companies.
Reality: Why these companies do not belong to Yunus?
In line with the last decision taken at the meeting, on February 13, the authorities have taken out a measure to stop the illegal occupation of these buildings by Yunus. The Grameen Telecom building housed as many as 16 companies, all chaired by Yunus. Of all the companies, Grameen Bank members took ownership of eight companies.
Let’s check the fact –
Grammen Bank
Founded in 1983
Capital 30 million taka
12 million from Members
18 million from Government
No support from Yunus!
Even several members complained Yunus misappropriated money from the bank and built his empire of companies.
But disregarding all these facts, AFP ran a story with only accounts of Yunus, a clear template of one sided narrative. No wonder, the Bangladesh correspondent of AFP earlier also found involved in promoting disinformation campaigners.
