Foreign Minister (FM) Dr Abdul Momen on Thursday said being a Nobel Laureate does not mean that he or she is an angel.
The FM also said he knows some Nobel laureates, who were punished for their involvement in criminal activities and wrongdoings.
He said these while responding to a question about the statements of some foreign dignitaries, who urged the government to halt cases against Dr Mohammed Yunus.
Dr Momen said the statements are totally illogical, as these are contradictory to the rule of law. Since these cases are pending with courts, the government has nothing to do in this regard.
He pointed out that the cases against Dr Yunus were filed by the employees of his organisations, not by the government. The FM also said the government believes in the freedom of judiciary, and that is why it never interferes in the court affairs.
In this connection, he mentioned that a number of Nobel laureates faced imprisonment for wrongdoings, and a Nobel laureate was stripped of his professorship at the MIT, the US for his involvement in illegal activities.
There was a person, who despite receiving the Noble prize twice, committed suicide due to frustration and sorrow, the FM noted.
"Dr Mohammed Yunus is a respected person of the country. He should not worry over the cases filed against him, if he is innocent and does not commit anything wrong."
Responding to a question on debate in the European Parliament over the trial of human rights activist Adilur Rahman Khan of 'Odhikar', Dr Momen said foreigners talk much about the country's domestic affairs, as these are highlighted in local media.
"If you ignore them, they will not be encouraged to do so. Look at the Indian media. They simply ignore outsiders' interference in their affairs," he added.
State Minister M Shahriar Alam said during the European Parliament's debate, some of its members categorically said it should refrain from interfering in the affairs of countries like Bangladesh.
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