The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has dismissed the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) money laundering case against Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and 13 others, thereby terminating all associated legal proceedings.
The verdict was delivered on 23 April by a bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, which upheld Yunus’s appeal to quash the charges brought under the Money Laundering Prevention Act.
Confirming the court’s decision, ACC counsel Asif Hasan stated, “The appeal has been granted. This means the case no longer exists.”
Hasan further clarified that the dispute did not involve embezzlement, noting that the full amount in question had been duly disbursed. “There was a minor disagreement over the distribution amounts — a matter civil in nature and not criminal. It should have been addressed in a civil court,” he remarked.
Referring to the international stature of the accused, he added, “Muhammad Yunus is a globally respected Nobel Laureate — the only one from Bangladesh. It is unfortunate that a case was brought 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 in violation of anti-money laundering legislation. A special judge's court in Dhaka formally framed charges on 12 June 2023.
Challenging the charge framing, Yunus and six others petitioned the High Court, which rejected the plea on 24 July 2023. The petitioners then approached the Appellate Division, which set 23 April 2024 for the final verdict, following a hearing held on 19 March.
During proceedings, Yunus’s lawyer, Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun, argued that the disputed funds were directly deposited into workers’ accounts and not handled through company finances, asserting that no criminal offence had occurred.
He contended that the case lacked merit and was politically motivated, designed to harass and tarnish Yunus’s reputation. He also questioned the withdrawal of the case on 11 August — shortly after Yunus assumed office as interim chief adviser — without formal notification or explanation, and without the knowledge of his legal team.
Yunus has consistently maintained his innocence, stating he would accept punishment if proven guilty but insisting that the matter be resolved legally and with full transparency.
