Dr. Muhammad Yunus is one of the most influential personalities in the world. He has dedicated his life to solving global crises and is a true ambassador of peace. Despite his global recognition, he leads a humble and simple life. Known as the most knowledgeable and peace-loving person, he remains calm and restrained, always carrying a smile. He is a beacon of hope for people around the world and is among the few individuals capable of transforming the world. Despite his great achievements, he remains selfless. He is not just a pride of Bangladesh but also of the entire world.
Amid worldwide crises like conflict, poverty, unemployment, and climate change, Dr. Yunus stands as a guiding light. It is a great fortune for Bangladesh that this globally respected figure has taken the country’s leadership. On August 5, the government of Sheikh Hasina fell following a mass uprising. Soon after, Dr. Yunus was appointed Chief Adviser as a symbol of the people's aspirations. On August 8, he took charge amid a crisis and worked tirelessly for six months to restore the country. With global support, he has elevated Bangladesh’s international reputation. Due to his leadership, the influential Economist magazine named Bangladesh the "Country of the Year."
Dr. Yunus is a visionary among global changemakers. As a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, his "Three Zero" theory, which aims for a poverty-free, unemployment-free, and carbon-free world, has gained worldwide attention as a model for peace. He is a pioneer in women's empowerment, youth engagement, poverty alleviation, employment creation, social business, and microcredit. He also leads efforts to combat climate change. His concept of social business has gained popularity worldwide and is now seen as a solution to economic crises. This global recognition of social business highlights Bangladesh’s pride in having such a distinguished leader.
Dr. Yunus's life is dedicated to knowledge, research, and innovation. Unlike traditional politicians, he has always worked to improve people's lives. During the Liberation War in 1971, while pursuing higher education in the United States, he actively supported the cause. After independence, he left a comfortable life to work in rural areas, seeking solutions for poverty. His journey began in Jobra village, where he initiated the microcredit system despite facing immense challenges. His unwavering determination and honesty led to the creation of Grameen Bank, which transformed the lives of marginalized communities. Many who once struggled for survival are now self-sufficient, thanks to microcredit. Grameen Bank is not just a financial institution but a social movement for peace and development.
Poverty knows no borders or language, which is why Dr. Yunus spread his microfinance model worldwide—from the United States to Africa, Japan, and Europe, including India. Grameen Bank has become a global role model for poverty alleviation, preventing potential famines and economic crises. Recognizing his efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, becoming the first Bangladeshi to receive this honor. However, long before that, he had already gained global admiration. In 1984, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award, known as the "Asian Nobel Prize," for empowering rural women through microcredit. Grameen Bank played a key role in women's empowerment, increasing their economic participation and bringing about a silent revolution in Bangladesh.
In 1987, the Bangladesh government awarded Dr. Yunus the Independence Award, the highest civilian honor. However, despite his contributions, he later faced political conspiracies and was humiliated through legal battles.
Globally, Dr. Yunus is recognized for his humanitarian contributions. Recently, he was honored as a "Nation Builder" for his leadership in rebuilding Bangladesh. After taking charge, he aimed to create an equal society, earning recognition from the renowned Nature journal, which named him one of the top ten influential figures of 2024. Additionally, he was ranked 50th in The Muslim 500, a list of the world's most influential Muslims.
His contributions span various fields, from women's rights to youth leadership. He believes young people can change the world and actively supports sports and culture. In 2023, he received the World Football Summit’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Jeddah. He was also honored with the Olympic Laurel Award in 2021 for his contributions to education, culture, development, and peace. The United Nations Foundation awarded him the "Champion of Global Change" title in the same year.
Dr. Yunus has received numerous international honors, making him one of the most awarded individuals globally. His accolades include the Aga Khan Award (1989), CARE Award (1993), World Food Prize (1994), Pfeffer Peace Prize (1994), Max Schmidheiny Freedom Prize (1995), and the International Simon Bolivar Prize (1996). In 1997, he received Germany’s Planetary Consciousness Business Innovation Award and Norway’s Help for Self-Help Prize.
One of his greatest achievements for Bangladesh came in 2009 when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. This was a significant moment for Bangladesh, especially considering that the U.S. had once opposed Bangladesh’s independence and labeled it a "bottomless basket" in 1971. His achievement elevated Bangladesh’s status on the global stage.
Dr. Yunus’s journey is marked by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to change. He envisions a future where Bangladesh stands as a model nation under his leadership. His profound impact on the world ensures that Bangladesh will shine on the global stage.
BDST: 1550 HRS, FEB 07, 2025
