Friday, May 4th, 2007Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday backed down from forming a political party citing the refusal of his political backers to publicly support or join his party."I am writing this letter to you to inform you that I am standing aside from my efforts to form a political party," said Yunus in an open letter to the public, adding, "I have seen those who initially encouraged me gradually losing their enthusiasm."With this letter--his third one following two on February 11 and 22 through which he announced his decision to join politics and form a party--Yunus' brief and dramatic foray into ...
(read more) Friday, May 4th, 2007Leaders of major political parties including the Awami League (AL) and the BNP, members of the civil society and various other professional bodies last night welcomed Dr Yunus for his 'wise decision' to retreat from the politics 'in this prevailing context'.Earlier in February, when he decided to join politics, numbers of politicians, civil society members and cross section of professionals had welcomed his move.AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil, who returned home from Singapore on Wednesday night, told The Daily Star that his party welcomed Dr Yunus when he had decided to join politics. "Now he has stepped back from ...
(read more) Sunday, March 18th, 2007Prof Muhammad Yunus received the 2007 Golden Trailblazer Award by Vital Voices, a US-based organisation of global women leaders working to strengthen democracy, increase economic opportunity and fight human rights abuses around the world.Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton handed over the award to Prof Yunus at a function in Washington on Friday, recognising his "extraordinary achievement in providing economic opportunity for millions of women around the globe."This is the first time a man has been recognised by the global women leadership group.Yunus received a standing ovation from the distinguished audience, which included many global women leaders. Opera singer Monica Yunus, ...
(read more) Thursday, March 1st, 2007Nobel Peace Prize winner Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday urged Dhaka University students to be more original in their thought and be more innovative in finding ways to take advanced technology to the poor.The Nobel laureate also called for a separate stock exchange for 'businesses for the good of the people' that would cater to investors willing to buy shares of locally designed innovative organisations run by students to eradicate poverty.Yunus made these comments while speaking at Dhaka University's 43rd convocation after receiving an honorary Doctorate of Law from the university for winning the Nobel Peace Prize along with his brainchild ...
(read more) Wednesday, February 28th, 2007The 43rd convocation of Dhaka University (DU) will be held today at the central playground of the university amid boycott decision of the pro-Awami League teachers and different student organisations.The DU will confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Nobel Peace prize winner Prof Muhammad Yunus at the convocation ceremony.A total of 7,755 graduates, including 4,050 female students, will receive certificates while the DU authorities will award 84 gold medals to 61 students for their outstanding academic performances at the convocation.President Iajuddin Ahmed, also the DU chancellor, will preside over the programme and hand over certificates.Chief Adviser Fakhruddin ...
(read more) Monday, February 26th, 2007The government yesterday warned the political parties not to violate emergency power act rules, saying that it may not show leniency in the coming days.The government will soon contact the political parties and ask them to refrain from making provocative statements or creating any provocative law and order situation, sources said.Saying that some politicians and political parties are violating the provisions of emergency power act through provocative statements, Law Adviser barrister Mainul Hosein yesterday said, "Although this is causing us problems, the government is still showing tolerant attitude.But it may not show the same in future."He was talking to the ...
(read more) Saturday, February 24th, 2007US Congressman Steve Chabot, who left for Washington early yesterday ending his one-day whirlwind tour, said the people of Bangladesh are to determine whether or not micro-finance pioneer Professor Muhammad Yunus will make a good political leader as well. Talking to some reporters at the Radisson Hotel on Thursday evening -- much the same time as Yunus floated his party -- he noted that the Nobel laureate has been successful in his arena of micro-credit, but it is to be seen if he is equally successful in politics. Prof Yunus has brought honour and prestige for Bangladesh by winning the ...
(read more) Saturday, February 24th, 2007Criticising Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus' micro-credit institution Grameen Bank and his decision to enter politics, a section of academicians yesterday said Prof Yunus has to clarify his ideological position before entering politics.The micro-credit system cannot be a means of poverty alleviation, rather it is deeply linked to capitalism that finally helps poverty continue, they said at the publication ceremony of a book at the Jatiya Press Club.The book titled "Grameen Bank and Dr Yunus: In the View of a Witness" by former Grameen Bank official Sardar Amin was published by Jatiya Shahitya Prokashani."Dr Yunus' declaration of entering politics proves ...
(read more) Friday, February 23rd, 2007Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday formally floated his political party styled Nagorik Shakti or citizen power, giving shape to his latest vision of an alternative stream of politics in Bangladesh at a crisis time.He made the declaration through another open letter to the people of the country from Zia International Airport (ZIA) on his way to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the evening."After getting your immense response, I have decided to join in your effort to create new politics. I will join the politics and form a political party," he said.Prof Yunus had earlier served an open ...
(read more) Friday, February 23rd, 2007Dear Citizen, I am writing to you again. First, let me express my salam to you. I could never imagine that I would get such massive response from the letter I wrote to you on February 11, 2007.ACCEPT MY SINCERE THANKS AND GRATITUDE You have encouraged my entry into politics with such logic and emotions that I could not help being astonished. I again felt the infinite blessings of Allah on me. From your replies, I have come to realise that how deep into your hearts you have let me in and you have put me in a position of great trust.You ...
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