SC dismisses money laundering case against Yunus, 6 others
The matter in question did not involve embezzlement — the entire amount of money was disbursed properly, and the dispute was civil in nature, not criminal, lawyer says
Highlights:
- Supreme Court dismissed money laundering case against Muhammad Yunus
- Case ruled civil, not criminal—no embezzlement involved
- ACC's appeal rejected; legal proceedings now officially ended
- Case deemed politically motivated and meant to harass Yunus
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has dismissed the Anti-Corruption Commission's (ACC) money laundering case against Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and six others, effectively ending all legal proceedings in the matter.
The verdict was delivered today (23 April) by a bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, granting Yunus's appeal to quash the case filed under the Money Laundering Prevention Act.
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ACC lawyer Asif Hasan confirmed the matter, stating, "The appeal has been granted. This means the case no longer exists."
He added that the matter in question did not involve embezzlement — the entire amount of money was disbursed properly, and the dispute was civil in nature, not criminal.
"There was a minor disagreement over distribution amounts, which should be addressed in a civil court, not a criminal one," Hasan added.
"Muhammad Yunus is a globally respected Nobel Laureate, the only one from Bangladesh.
It's unfortunate that a case was filed against such a distinguished individual."
The original case was filed by ACC Deputy Director Gulshan Anwar Pradhan on 30 May 2023, accusing Yunus and 13 others of misappropriating Tk25.22 crore and illegally transferring the funds, allegedly violating anti-money laundering laws. On 12 June 2023, a special judge's court in Dhaka formally framed charges against the accused.
Challenging the legality of the charge framing, Yunus and six others filed a petition in the High Court. However, the High Court rejected their plea on 24 July 2023. The petitioners then took the matter to the Appellate Division, which set 23 April 2024, for the final verdict following a hearing on 19 March.
During the proceedings, Yunus's lawyer Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun, argued that the funds were disbursed directly into workers' accounts, not company funds, and no criminal offense was committed.
He added that the case was filed to harass and humiliate Yunus without merit or legal basis.
The lawyer further questioned the withdrawal of the case just days after Yunus assumed the position of interim chief adviser.
"It was withdrawn on 11 August without any formal notice or explanation, even unknown to his legal team," he said, terming it a politically motivated move.
Yunus has maintained his innocence throughout, stating that if proven guilty, he would accept punishment, but insisted on resolving the matter legally and transparently
