Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 27th July 2025, 3:46 PM
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh has upheld a High Court verdict that dismissed defamation proceedings against Nobel Laureate and Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus.
On Sunday, 27 July, a three-member Appellate Division bench led by Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury rejected a leave to appeal petition filed by the state, seeking permission to challenge the High Court’s earlier decision.
“The Appellate Division has dismissed the state’s leave to appeal,” confirmed Additional Attorney General Anik R Haque, who represented the state during the hearing.
Background of the Case
The defamation case stemmed from comments made by Dr Yunus in a 2007 interview, which led Nazrul Islam Chunnu, Joint Secretary of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) and a member of the Mymensingh District Bar, to file a defamation suit in 2010.
In 2011, Dr Yunus sought the dismissal of the case, filing a petition with the High Court.
The High Court, on 24 October 2023, ruled in favour of Dr Yunus, declaring the proceedings of the defamation case null and void.
Legal Proceedings Timeline
| Date | Event |
| 2007 | Dr Yunus makes comments in an interview |
| 2010 | Defamation case filed by Nazrul Islam Chunnu |
| 2011 | Dr Yunus petitions the High Court to dismiss the case |
| 24 Oct 2023 | High Court rules to quash the defamation case |
| 2 July 2025 | State’s leave to appeal heard in Chamber Court |
| 27 July 2025 | Appellate Division dismisses the leave to appeal |
Legal Representation
Following the court’s decision, the High Court ruling remains in effect, bringing an end to the prolonged legal proceedings stemming from the defamation claim.
This judgment is seen as a significant legal victory for Dr Muhammad Yunus, who continues to play a key role in Bangladesh’s interim government
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