The political landscape in Bangladesh has taken a dramatic turn as Mohammad Yunus, the Nobel Laureate and former head of the interim government, faces serious allegations of financial misconduct. Following his tenure as Chief Advisor (August 2024 – February 2026), the current government has launched a high-level investigation into the alleged misappropriation of 1 billion Taka (100 crore Taka).

The controversy centers on the funding of a national referendum held during his leadership—a move that the current administration is now systematically undoing.

The Allegation: Pressure on Private Banks

According to investigative reports from The Times of Bangladesh, several local banks have come forward with startling claims. They allege that the Yunus-led interim government exerted illegal pressure on them to divert funds toward the referendum campaign, which aimed to overhaul the nation's constitution.

• The CSR Trap: It is alleged that the government forced banks to use their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to finance a massive public opinion campaign.

• NGO Involvement: The banks claim they were directed to disburse these funds to specific NGOs tasked with promoting the "Yes" vote for the referendum.

• Regulatory Violations: Bankers suggest that these directives bypassed standard financial protocols, leaving the banking sector in a precarious position.

Suspicious Transactions and Shadow Organizations

The investigation has highlighted specific disbursements made by the Association of Bankers Bangladesh under government duress. The funds were reportedly distributed to organizations that lacked proper documentation or raised transparency concerns:

Note: Reports suggest that "Debate for Democracy" was particularly scrutinized for failing to provide the necessary legal paperwork during the fund transfer.

A Massive Public Expenditure Under Review

Beyond the bank funds, the report indicates that the Yunus government spent a staggering 1.42 billion Taka (142 crore Taka) overall on referendum promotion.

• Deployment of Ministries: Six different government ministries were reportedly mobilized to sway public opinion in favor of the constitutional changes.

• The Post-Yunus Reversal: Despite the referendum being passed and implemented, the current BNP-led government, under the leadership of Tariq Rahman, is now working to reverse these decisions. The new administration is reportedly dismantling the referendum's outcomes one by one, labeling the previous process as legally flawed.

The "Acting Head" in Deep Trouble

This investigation marks a sharp turn for Mohammad Yunus, who stepped in as the acting head of state following the coup against Sheikh Hasina. While the referendum was initially presented as a tool to strengthen the constitution, it has now become the center of a legal and financial firestorm that threatens the legacy of the Nobel Peace Prize winner.