DHAKA, Sept 1, 2023 (BSS) - Some 171 eminent citizens of the country protested the demand placed in an open letter signed by some Noble laureates, politicians, businessmen and civil society figures of different countries of postponing the ongoing trial in cases lodged against Dr Muhammad Yunus.

In a statement, they termed the demand as a threat on Bangladesh sovereignty and judiciary. 
 
"As the country's conscientious citizens, we are expressing deep concern over the unwanted interference in Bangladesh's judiciary," reads the statement.

It said Bangladesh's constitution guaranteed complete independence of judges in carrying out their judicial activities and anyone including those who are in charge to run the state has no jurisdiction to interfere in judicial process. 
 
The speeches in the letter are conflicting with Bangladesh's constitution and International Labour Organization (ILO) declaration on fundamental rights of laborers. 

"We think that the call made in the letter that the charges framed against Dr Yunus should be tried through neutral judges is tantamount to insulting the judiciary of the Bangladesh," it reads. 

As per the constitution, all citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law, it said, adding that the trial of the cases against Dr Yunus are being carried out independently as per the existing laws of the country.
 
In this context, the allegation of judicial harassment is immaterial and unexpected.

"We hope the statement givers will respect Bangladesh's judiciary as they did for in the context of their respective countries," it said.

On behalf of 171 eminent citizens, Dhaka University Fine Arts Faculty Dean Professor Nisar Hosain issued the statement.

The citizens included former chairman of University Grants Commission and urban planning expert Prof Nazrul Islam, social scientist Prof Anupam Sen, economist Prof Sanat Kumar Saha, former governor of Bangladesh Bank and Emeritus Professor Dr Atiur Rahman, artist Hashem Khan, writer and social scientist Prof Bulban Osman, artist Rafiqun Nabi, National University former Vice-Chancellor Prof Harun-or-Rashid, former president of Asiatic Society Prof Mahfuza Khanam, historian Prof Syed Anwar Hussein, artist Shahabuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh Medical Association President Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin, economist Prof Abul Barakat, cultural personalities Hasan Imam and Ramendu Majumder, poet Nirmalendu Gun, Asiatic Society President Prof Bazlul Haque Khandaker, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote President Nasiruddin Yusuf, economist Prof Abdul Bayes, retired justice Mamtazuddin Ahmed, Advocate Yusuf Hossain Humayun and historian Prof Muntassir Mamoon.