The finance minister yesterday said the government had asked Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to stay away from Grameen Bank as long as a review of the microlender continues.
“I suggested Mr Yunus should step aside as Grameen Bank’s managing director, transferring his powers to the deputy managing director,” AMA Muhith told BBC Bangla Service.
“I think it would have been better if Mr Yunus had stayed away for some time,” Muhith said.
According to the minister, Yunus rejected the suggestion, and said Grameen Bank would collapse in his absence.
“I don’t think Mr Yunus can run Grameen Bank throughout his life,” the finance minister said, referring to the microcredit pioneer who presided over the organisation for about 40 years.
The minister said the related law does not allow anybody to stay in the same post for so long.
The government formed a five-member review committee to probe the activities of Grameen after allegations of irregularities in fund transfer surfaced about the microfinancier.
Muhith said the government is undecided on its next step.
It is awaiting recommendations from the review committee that was asked to turn in its report in three month’s time from January when it was formed.
BBC Bangla Service said it did not receive any immediate comment from Prof Yunus.
