DHAKA: Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep concern as the government passed the Grameen Bank Bill 2013 to bring the bank under the supervision of the government.

The founder of the Grameen Bank (GB) came up with the discontent in a statement on Wednesday.   

In the statement, he said, “I condemn the action of the Government of Bangladesh in changing the Grameen Bank law in the strongest language possible.”

He added: “The Grameen Bank was created as a bank owned by poor women, and managed by poor women. Its legal structure did not allow any government interference of any kind, except for regulatory oversight.”

Dr Yunus added: “The amendments to the law which have just been introduced, have created the opportunity for the government to take 100 percent control of the bank if they wish to.”

He said, “These amendments fundamentally change the character of the bank. With these amendments, the government has opened the door for its ultimate destruction. What a shame for the nation, and the whole world!”
 
The famous economist also said, “I feel extremely sorry that the nation has to go through the unnecessary traumatic experience of seeing a great global iconic institution, created by this nation, be brutally harmed by a group of irresponsible and thoughtless people.”

He further added: “The immediate task before the country is to repair the enormous damage done to the Grameen Bank law at the earliest opportunity, before it is too late. I hope  the whole nation, particularly all women, along with the women of Grameen Bank,  their family  members, as well as the staff of the bank will rise to the occasion and make it happen.”

BDST: 1645 HRS, NOV 06, 2013
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