Allegations of Criminal Offenses Against Dr Yunus: Maximum Punishment Capital Punishment

During the tenure of Dr. Yunus's administration, serious criminal allegations—including constitutional violations—have been raised against his government. If proven true, the maximum penalty under existing Bangladeshi law could be capital punishment. Additionally, Dr Yunus faces allegations of abuse of power, corruption, and fraud, which carry penalties of up to 14 years in prison upon conviction.

A review of Dr Yunus's 18-month administration highlights several severe allegations:

Constitutional Violation and Contempt

The Constitution of Bangladesh is the supreme law of the land. According to Article 7:

•        7(1): All powers in the Republic belong to the people; and their exercise on behalf of the people shall be effected only under, and by the authority of, this Constitution.

•        7(2): This Constitution is, as the solemn expression of the will of the people, the supreme law of the Republic, and if any other law is inconsistent with this Constitution, that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.

Article 7A provides strict penalties for constitutional violations:

•        7A(1): If any person, by show of force or use of force or through any other unconstitutional means— (a) abrogates, repeals, cancels, or suspends this Constitution or any article thereof, or attempts or conspires to do so; or (b) subverts, attempts, or conspires to subvert the confidence, belief, or faith of citizens in this Constitution or any of its provisions— such act shall be treason, and such person shall be guilty of treason.

•        7A(2): If any person— (a) abets or incites any act described in clause (1); or (b) approves, condones, supports, or ratifies such act— such act shall also constitute the same offense.

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•        7A(3): A person guilty of the offense described in this article shall be punished with the maximum penalty prescribed for other offenses under prevailing laws.

Under the Penal Code of Bangladesh, the maximum penalty is capital punishment (death penalty). Dr. Yunus faces at least five major allegations of constitutional violations:

1.      Ultra Vires Constitutional Amendment Order: While serving as Chief Adviser, Dr. Yunus promulgated the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025—a special ordinance issued by the interim government following the 2024 student-led mass uprising. Promulgated by the President on November 13, 2025, it aimed to implement over 84 proposals, including comprehensive constitutional reforms and an election-period caretaker government. This directly contradicts Article 142 of the current Constitution, which mandates that constitutional amendments require a bill passed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Enacting an amendment order without parliamentary approval violates the Constitution. Critics, including former legal ministers and constitutional experts like Dr. Shahdeen Malik, labeled this order an unconstitutional act of treason.

2.      Unlawful Referendum Ordinance: The existing Constitution contains no provision for referendums. Promulgating a Referendum Ordinance and holding a referendum outside parliamentary authority constitutes a direct constitutional violation.

3.      Breach of Oath: Appointed to the chief executive role based on a Supreme Court reference, Dr. Yunus took an oath as Chief Adviser promising to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution" and to "do right to all manner of people according to law, without fear or favor, affection or ill-will." Allegations suggest widespread bias and nepotism during his administration, violating this sacred oath.

4.      Deprivation of Fundamental Rights: Articles 26 through 47 guarantee citizens' fundamental rights. Under Dr. Yunus's administration, several core rights were allegedly infringed upon:

o       Article 27 (Equality before law): Over 50,000 citizens were reportedly detained without trial, denying them legal recourse.

o       Article 28 (Non-discrimination on grounds of religion, etc.): Amnesty International reported roughly 1,000 attacks on religious minorities over 18 months, alongside attacks on Baul communities and shrines, without adequate state protection.

o       Articles 31 & 32 (Protection of law and personal liberty): Thousands faced mob violence or had bank accounts frozen without due process.

o       Article 39 (Freedom of thought, conscience, and speech): Intimidation and physical attacks on news offices and journalists constrained press freedom.

o       Article 40 (Freedom of profession or occupation): Teachers, government employees, and business owners were forcibly prevented from carrying out their professional duties.

5.      Violation of Protocol on International Treaties: Article 145A dictates that all international treaties must be submitted to the President for presentation in Parliament. Controversial defense and trade agreements—such as trade agreements with the United States, defense deals with China, military equipment procurements, and agreements with Japan—were allegedly finalized without presidential or parliamentary submission.

Abuse of Power and Illicit Benefits

During his 18 months in office, Dr. Yunus allegedly abused his position to benefit entities associated with Grameen:

•        Grameen University: Approved in December 2024 within three months of application under Grameen Trust.

•        Manpower Export License: Grameen Employment Services Limited (GESL) received a recruitment license (RL No. 2806) in January 2025.

•        Digital Wallet PSP Approval: Grameen Telecom affiliate 'Samadhan Services Limited' received a Payment Service Provider NOC from Bangladesh Bank in September 2024.

•        Grameen Bank Ordinance: Government shareholding in Grameen Bank was reduced from 25% to 10% in April 2025.

Under the Penal Code (Sections 166, 167, 168) and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, a public servant leveraging official authority for personal or institutional gain commits a cognizable criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment.

Interference in Judicial Proceedings

Within days of assuming office, Dr. Yunus was acquitted in money laundering and tax evasion cases, while previous labor law convictions against Grameen Telecom directors were set aside. Interference in or obstruction of ongoing judicial proceedings is punishable under Section 228 of the Penal Code and the Contempt of Courts Act, 2013, carrying prison sentences of one to three years.

Liability for Negligent Homicide (Measles Deaths)

Under Section 304A of the Penal Code, causing death through severe negligence or reckless acts constitutes negligent homicide. Severe administrative negligence during Dr. Yunus's administration allegedly led to the disruption of childhood measles vaccination programs, resulting in preventable child fatalities.

Given the gravity of these allegations, a formal and independent commission of inquiry should be established to conduct an impartial investigation into the charges against Dr. Yunus.