Dhaka – Finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith informed that the matter of taking tax benefit illegally of the organizations of Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr Muhammad Yunus in the name of Grameen would be investigated.
“It is a very difficult issue, Prof. Yunus have received tax benefits on organisations in the name of Grameen; it is illegal. It is being investigated, that’s all,” he told the reporters yesterday.His remarks came after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lashed out at the former Grameen Bank managing director while speaking in Parliament.
During a question-and-answer session on Wednesday, Hasina described the Nobel laureate as a ‘cheat’.
The prime minister claimed Yunus does not pay taxes against his fixed deposits with banks. “He has a lot of money, but do not pay taxes and filed a lawsuit over it. He is doing fine without paying taxes.”
Hasina said that Grameen Bank enjoys a tax benefit, but there are 40 to 50 other sister concerns, who also do not pay tax. “Why will they not pay taxes? The NBR has those reports.”
She then pointed to Muhith, who was sitting beside her in Parliament and said, “The honourable finance minister is here. It’s his responsibility and he will take care of it.”
When the attention of the finance minister was drawn to this matter, he said, “It is a very difficult issue. Dr Yunus has taken tax benefit from all the organizations in the name of Grameen which is illegal. It is being investigated. That’s all.” – Staff Reporter
