Banker Yunus probed over aid funds

DHAKA, Bangladesh - Bangladesh's finance minister has called for investigations into allegations that Nobel Prize-winning microlender Grameen Bank illegally diverted aid funds, but said authorities had no intention of taking control of the bank.

A Norwegian TV documentary last year said Grameen, led by Muhammad Yunus, had for tax purposes shifted funds provided by Norway's aid agency in the 1990s from one legal entity to another.

The documentary led to criticism of Yunus, whose bank has provided $10 billion in small loans, mainly to women, helping them to start businesses and escape poverty.