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Huge support for Yunus (February 18, 2011)
A few days ago, I commented that Bangladesh being a nation that still depends on foreign aid should be careful in dealing with Dr. Yunus who received foreign money to start microcredit. The matter that happened with NORAD was settled 12 years ago. Nothing else has happened since then. Prime Minister's comment about Yunus was purely personal and shocking. We now see that the interest of Bangladesh is going to be damaged because of her stand against Yunus.
Anonymous
The issue regarding Dr. Yunus needs to be resolved immediately. The newly formed Friends of Grameen could encourage Dr. Yunus to release a statement about his wealth which will show that he has not profited from the organisation. Also, a statement about what the borrower/owner of the organisation earned during their course of business with Grameen will show how people benefited.
Friends of Grameen could let an independent group run the analysis. After all, there should be an assessment of the effectiveness of the system in alleviation of poverty. Let the facts come to light and stop tarnishing the reputation of a Nobel laureate.
Towhid Salam
It is very disturbing that the Bangladesh govt. is trying to remove Dr Yunus from the Grameen Bank based on some questionable allegation made by a foreign TV report. Surely, Dr Yunus has never been a superhuman and he does also make mistakes. But his honesty and sincerity in trying to make a difference in millions of women's lives for many years is beyond anyone's question. The ruling party people should focus on cleaning their own hands. A small glitch in the life of Dr. Yunus should be treated respectfully. Never forget how we all became proud of him, how we convinced ourselves one more time that we could do it when he won the highest honour, Nobel Prize, a few years back.
Mong Sano Marma
A 20% interest rate is indecent, anything above is insane. Yet Bangladesh's Finance Minister and the PM should find better things to do to uplift the miserable conditions of the millions of poor citizens than to attack Dr. Yunus in such unjust manner. It is totally inappropriate, even in Bangladesh, to declare someone guilty, before a fair trial. The appropriate law enforcing agencies should take the lead to conduct a fair and transparent investigation to determine if any law was broken. Until then there should be no judgment even by those in power.
Dr. M Islam
Everybody should support Prof Yunus. The government is apparently carrying out a campaign to undermine the Nobel Laureate's image both nationally and internationally.
M. Bazlur Rahman
The politically motivated attack on pride of Bangladesh, Dr Yunus, is well known. Regrettably, I fear that this move would further worsen hostility of our ministers towards the Nobel laureate.
Amer Chowdhury
Awami League is bringing great shame to the nation by disrespecting Dr Yunus.
Anonymous
Competent persons in Bangladesh always had been put aside. Not only Prof Yunus, many others who had contribution in nation building had been neglected by tricks so that they can't come in policy making. It's not a matter of pro-western or high rates of interests in Grameen, it's simple jealousy of less competent politicians. If Prof Yunus is a corrupt there is a protocol of justice but verdict given by top politicians before trial is not acceptable.
Dr. Karim
Our Prime Minister is doing disservice to our country. The way she treated Dr. Yunus, a Nobel laureate, is deplorable. Not only that she is trying to put him down, but so ruining the future of our country.
Anonymous
You don't have to necessarily like micro-credit as a solution to poverty to defend the honour of a sincere person. What signal does this send to young and upcoming who want to do something big for our country?
I am reminded of a quote in another context: "We shall have to repent in this generation, not so much for the evil deeds of the wicked people, but for the appalling silence of the good people."
>Saleh Tanveer
Prof Yunus is Bangladeshi icon, a great personality and our pride. Some short sighted, narrow vision people in Bangladesh out of sheer jealousy have unleashed volley of propaganda which will soon be overwhelmed by massive world opinion in favour of him.
Saleque Sufi
Down with the detractors of Yunus (though small in number but powerful) who are trying to malign him while the world community stands steadfastly behind him!
Nila
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