Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, famed for microfinance work, faces a six-month jail term in Bangladesh for labor law violations, sparking global concern.
The trial is criticized as politically motivated, revealing tensions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Yunus's legal troubles, including accusations of graft and interest rate exploitation, are seen as attempts to stifle dissent.
International figures, including Hillary Clinton and Bono, condemn the persecution. The broader concern centers on Bangladesh's democratic state, with accusations of authoritarianism and legal weaponization against political opponents.
As the country heads into a crucial election, Yunus's case raises questions about human rights, democracy, and Bangladesh's global image.