Exiled Bangladeshi author and human rights activist Taslima Nasrin has made a powerful appeal to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, calling for the unprecedented revocation of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Muhammad Yunus. In an open letter, she accused Yunus of actions that contradict the very essence of the prestigious accolade.
Agartala May 1: In a detailed and impassioned appeal addressed to the Nobel Peace Prize committee, Taslima Nasrin — a recipient of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought — expressed grave concerns about the conduct of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Nasrin, who previously addressed the committee’s auditorium in the 1990s, urged the committee to reconsider Yunus’ continued recognition in light of what she described as “exceptional circumstances.”
Allegations of Abuse of Power and Economic Misconduct
Nasrin accused Yunus of misusing his position at Grameen Bank, alleging that he evaded taxes and misappropriated foreign donations intended for microfinance operations.
According to her, Yunus used these funds to launch personal business ventures and enforced ruthless loan recovery practices that led to the destruction of borrowers’ homes — particularly those of impoverished women.
Claims of Authoritarian Rule and Alliance with Extremist Forces
Taslima Nasrin’s letter paints a disturbing picture of current affairs in Bangladesh. She claimed that Yunus, now 84, has “illegally assumed power” with the help of jihadi militants.
Over the past nine months, she alleged, the country has seen targeted violence against political opposition members and the Hindu minority community, resulting in deaths, arson, and widespread imprisonment.
She further accused Yunus of dismantling key national symbols, including the demolition of Bangladesh’s history museum and the destruction of statues of Bengali heroes.
According to Nasrin, these acts indicate a deliberate attempt to erase the country’s secular and historical identity.
Warnings of Economic Collapse and Threat of War
Nasrin expressed fears that Yunus is leading Bangladesh into a catastrophic economic and social collapse. She claimed that militant attacks have shut down industries and that the country’s economy is spiraling downward.
Despite these warning signs, she alleged that Yunus continues to suppress democratic processes, refusing to hold elections and enabling systemic looting by his associates.
She also raised alarm over what she called “delusional preparations for war against India,” highlighting Bangladesh’s lack of capacity to engage in any such conflict and predicting disastrous consequences for millions.
A Plea to Set a Precedent
“Please take back his Nobel Prize. Set a precedent in favor of peace,” Taslima Nasrin urged.
Concluding her letter, Nasrin emphasized that while the Nobel Peace Prize is traditionally irreversible, the current situation calls for an extraordinary decision. “Please take back his Nobel Prize. Set a precedent in favor of peace,” she urged.
The Nobel Committee has yet to respond to these allegations or the call for Yunus’ prize to be rescinded.
However, Nasrin’s statement is likely to ignite debate in global circles regarding the accountability of Nobel laureates and the ethical implications of retaining such honors in light of subsequent actions.
