The United States has said it is "closely following" the case against Nobel Peace Prize winner Prof Muhammad Yunus and noted the international condemnations after he was convicted by a court.

US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters during a regular media briefing on Wednesday (January 3).

"Muhammad Yunus has made significant contributions to the alleviation of poverty around the world, as reflected in his Nobel Peace Prize and numerous other international honours. We have been following the case against him closely," said Miller.

"We have encouraged the Bangladeshi government to ensure a fair and transparent legal process, and will continue to follow any further developments closely," he added.

Earlier on January 1, a labor court in Dhaka sentenced Muhammad Yunus to six months in jail for violating the country's labor laws.

Yunus, who pioneered the use of microcredit to help impoverished people, was present in court and was granted bail. 

The court also gave Muhammad Yunus 30 days to appeal the verdict and sentence.

BDST: 1255 HRS, JAN 04, 2024
MN/SMS