Prof Yunus accorded reception

Grameen Bank has arranged a reception at its head office in Mirpur, Dhaka, to celebrate 50 years of the bank and 20 years of its Nobel Prize, honouring its founder and Nobel Laureate, Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Former and current officials and employees of the bank, along with people associated at various levels, were present at the event on Sunday.

On behalf of Grameen Bank, Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus was welcomed by the institution's Chairman, Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury & Managing Director, Sarder Akhter Hamed. Also present were the bank's Directors Nazneen Sultana, Maria Howlader, Dr. Md. Manzoorul Kibria; Deputy Managing Directors Syed Motiur Rahman, AKM Sazzad Hossain, Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury along with all executives and officials from the head office.

At a discussion held at the Grameen Bank auditorium, Dr. Muhammad Yunus spoke about the background of the establishment of Grameen Bank during the 1974 famine, the challenges faced in working for the empowerment of women in the then social system and how members and staff of the bank moved forward with unwavering courage. He also highlighted various initiatives and success stories of the institution in alleviating poverty.

Former Managing Director of Grameen Bank Nurjahan Begum said, "We started from Jobra. When batches came to the training center, Sir always told us that if we put in our sweat, we would be able to build a strong institution."

Chairman of Grameen Bank Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, "We are grateful to Sir for creating Grameen Bank, which has generated employment opportunities for countless people."

Managing Director of Grameen Bank Sarder Akhter Hamed said, "Grameen Bank was established under the leadership of Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Through this, nearly 24,000 families have gained income-generating opportunities. Today, Grameen Bank is a global role model in poverty alleviation and women's empowerment."