HC summons Dr Yunus over contempt plea

The High Court yesterday summoned Grameen Telecom Chairman Nobel Laureate Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus and its Managing Director Md Ashraful Hasan to virtually appear before it on March 16 to place explanation over not complying with its order to reinstate services of 38 employees to the organisation.

The court also issued a rule upon them to explain why contempt of court proceedings should not be brought against them.

The HC bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Md Kamrul Islam Mollah came up with the order and rule following a contempt of court petition filed by Md Kamruzzaman, one of the 38 terminated employees, on February 8.

Petitioner's lawyer Md Yousuf Ali told The Daily Star that in continuation of a legal battle, the HC on December 6 last year directed Grameen Telecom's Chairman and MD to immediately reinstate services of 38 employees who were terminated on October 25 last year.

As the Grameen Telecom's chairman and MD did not reinstate the employees, Md Kamruzzaman filed the contempt of court petition with the HC, he said.

Contacted, Grameen Telecom's lawyer Mustafizur Rahman Khan told this correspondent that Prof Yunus and others involved in Grameen Telecom are always respectful of the court.

"We will take necessary measures after receiving the written copy of the High Court order and rule," he added.