Perceptions and realities

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The recent reports on Grameen Bank and its alleged transfer of funds to a sister organization without expressed consent from donors tarnishes the image of the organization and persons behind it - notably that of Dr. Yunus, the Nobel Laureate. The government has decided to probe the incident and Dr. Yunus has welcome the probe - both of which are commendable.
However, I am deeply shocked at the statement of our Prime Minister (PM) who equated the affairs of Grameen Bank to those of a loan shark and portrayed Dr. Yunus as one who is after personal fame and fortune. Personally, I think that the PM could have better served herself and the country by not having made any comments, for or against the incident and person, and deferred the matter to the probe reports.
What is the use of having probe commissions when we prejudge any outcomes or make statements that may cast shadows on the decisions? Definitely the bank has done a lot of good deeds and undoubtedly some loan recipients have not been able to better their lives, as alleged in the TV documentary - which is always true as there are two sides to every coin. I, for one, think that the comments of the PM are indicative of her opinions about Dr. Yunus due to his foray into politics in the recent past while the PM was in the custody of a non-democratic government. If the PM and her government is concerned about the conduct and affairs of Grameen and other agencies working to alleviate sufferings of the poor, it is high time that a free and impartial probe be conducted into the affairs of all NGOs.
Mohammad Haq
E-mail: moahaq@gmail.com