The Association of Universities of Bangladesh (AUB) and the Dhaka University Teachers' Association (DUTA) said on Thursday that the open letter issued by more than 170 global leaders to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is an illegal and illogical demand to stop the ongoing trial proceedings against Muhamamd Yunus.  

They said that the letter is a threat to the sovereignty and the rule of law in Bangladesh as the global leaders, including more than 100 Nobel laurates, urged the prime minister to halt the proceedings being conducted by courts.

Read: Govt not harassing Prof Yunus; letter writers need to know facts: FM

Both the associations issued separate statements on Thursday condemning the move by the global leaders.

In the statement, the Association of Universities of Bangladesh (AUB) said, “Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign state. The judiciary of this country is completely independent. All types of judicial proceedings are conducted following the existing laws of the country.”

Such unconstitutional intervention on Bangladesh’s independent judiciary is a threat to the sovereignty and it is not acceptable at all, it added.

Read: Int’l dignitaries are welcome to send experts, lawyers to see if Dr Yunus faces injustice: PM Hasina

The AUB also demanded withdrawal of the letter showing respect to independent and democratic Bangladesh.

In another statement, DUTA expressed concern for such an unsolicited intervention in the judiciary of Bangladesh.

According to the article 94 (4) of the constitution, the judiciary of Bangladesh conducted its activities following the existing laws of the country.

"So, the writers of the letter are intervening in the judiciary of Bangladesh illegally and unconstitutionally", it added.

Read: Bangladesh has an independent judicial process: Shahriar Alam on letter in favour of Prof Yunus

Besides, this type of statement is completely against the rule of the International Labour Organisation and the provisions regarding the rights given to the workers in the law of Bangladesh, DUTA said.

The DUTA urged all concerned to show respect to the independence, sovereignty, judiciary and the rights of workers in Bangladesh.

On September 9, 2021, Labour Inspector (general) SM Arifuzzaman of the Inspection for Factories and Establishments Department filed a labour law violation case against four people, including Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, with the Third Labour Court of Dhaka.

On June 6 this year, the court indicted the defendants, including Muhammad Yunus, in the case. The trial in the case began on August 22.