Grameen Bank organized a colorful ceremony in Dhaka’s Mirpur to honor its founder and Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, marking the bank’s 50th founding anniversary and the 20th anniversary of his Nobel Prize. The event, held at the bank’s headquarters on Sunday, brought together former and current officials, employees, and associates in a festive atmosphere. Dr. Yunus was warmly received by the bank’s chairman, board members, managing director, and senior management team before addressing a town hall session as the chief guest.
In his speech, Dr. Yunus recalled the early struggles of Grameen Bank and the origins of the microcredit concept during the 1974 famine. He described how small loans to poor women in Jobra village helped them become self-reliant and empowered within their families and communities. This was his first visit to the headquarters since stepping down as managing director in 2011.
During the visit, Dr. Yunus toured his former residence, the Grameen Cheque stall, and joined a photo session and lunch with staff, emphasizing the need to make the bank’s operations more dynamic and inclusive.