Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has emerged as a potential advisor for Bangladesh’s interim government following the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement proposed Yunus for the role amid the escalating crisis in Bangladesh, marked by violence and political unrest.
Born in 1940 in Chittagong, Bangladesh, Yunus pursued economics at Vanderbilt University in the US, earning a PhD in 1969. Returning to Bangladesh, he became the head of the economics department at Chittagong University and began providing small loans to impoverished individuals. This led to the creation of Grameen Bank in 1983, which revolutionized microfinance by offering collateral-free loans to rural women, helping millions escape poverty.
Yunus’s innovative approach earned him global recognition, including the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize shared with Grameen Bank. His contributions to microfinance have been replicated worldwide. In addition to his financial innovations, Yunus has held prominent roles in various international organizations and received numerous awards.
Recently, Yunus faced legal challenges, including corruption and embezzlement charges related to Grameen Telecom, which he denies, claiming the accusations are politically motivated. Despite these controversies, his role as a potential advisor is seen as a significant move in the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh.
