Tuesday, October 7, 2025

US deeply troubled

Moriarty says Hillary-Yunus meet Mar 28; diplomats, donors worried, frustrated
Foreign diplomats in Bangladesh have sharply reacted to the government’s move to remove Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus from Grameen Bank and none of them took it positively.
They said they never thought that the government could make such an extreme move against an internationally reputed personality like Yunus.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh in Dhaka James Moriarty yesterday said the United States is deeply troubled by the government removing Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus from the office of the managing director of Grameen Bank and termed it “an unusual way to handle a Nobel Laureate”.
“We are deeply troubled by the process here by this letter going forward trying to remove the professor [Yunus],” he told the journalists emerging from a meeting between diplomatic corps, development partners and the finance minister at Bangladesh Secretariat yesterday.
When asked if the handling of the Yunus issue would impact Dhaka-Washington ties, he said, “No comments.”
A spokesperson of the US Embassy in Dhaka told The Daily Star that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton looks forward to meeting Prof Yunus on March 8 in Washington to discuss this and other issues.
The US ambassador yesterday said, “An amicable compromise should be reached. Both Prof Yunus and the government can find the way and work out their disagreement.”
Asked about his reaction, Moriarty said, “It strikes us. It is an unusual way to handle a Nobel laureate, who is considered outside the country as one of the greatest Bangladeshis.”
“He has brought great honour to your country. He is highly respected. He has done great things to lift many people out of poverty. So, they have removed him 12 years later on, an issue that is technical and difficult to understand. So, it is troubling,” he said.
The US diplomat said, “The process that has been followed to suddenly remove him on a technical issue dating back 12 years and for 12 years he has been acting as managing director… So, it looks very unusual from outside.”
Moriarty said there must be a solution for the people of Bangladesh, the government of Bangladesh, Prof Yunus and Grameen Bank. “We do not have any role to play here,” he said replying to a query.
On the outcome of the meeting, the US ambassador said, “The minister gave a very thorough explanation about the government stance. But I would say my government remains deeply troubled.”
Earlier, the spokesperson of the US Embassy said, “We continue to follow developments closely and await clarification from the Government of Bangladesh and Grameen Bank. We hope that a mutually satisfactory compromise can be achieved that will ensure Grameen Bank’s autonomy and effectiveness. Civil society organisations such as Grameen Bank play an important role in Bangladesh’s development and democracy.”
The UK in its instant reaction said it is also following the development very closely.
When asked, a spokesperson for the British High Commission in Dhaka said, “We are aware of the event concerning Prof Yunus. We understand this is now a matter before the court. Together with the international community, we are following the development very closely. Grameen Bank is a well known and well respected development institution. We wish to see it continue to play its important role in Bangladesh and globally. We have great respect for Prof Yunus and the work he has carried out with Grameen.”
Talking to The Daily Star, most diplomats expressed identical views. They said they are very disappointed and frustrated with the government action.
The diplomats, preferring anonymity as the matter is pending with a court, said Prof Yunus and Grameen Bank are integral parts and both are highly respected everywhere.
A diplomat of an East Asian country said Grameen and Prof Yunus are not only popular in Bangladesh but also in the diplomat’s country.
Another envoy termed the government move “apparently vindictive” and said the international community will never take it positively.
Asked about diplomats’ reaction at the meeting with the finance minister, the diplomat said the representatives of foreign missions and donor agencies were critical about the government action and made lot of queries and they were not fully satisfied with the explanation given.
Friends of Grameen
Friends of Grameen, an international platform to protect Nobel winners Prof Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank, yesterday said the events unfolding over the last few days testify the government’s intent to fully takeover the microfinance agency at any cost.
The Paris-based group said the central bank’s letter to relieve Prof Yunus of his position in Grameen Bank is without lawful authority and in violation of his fundamental rights.
“The letter, which goes beyond its reach of authority, is clearly an attempt to circumvent the rules of the ordinance of Grameen Bank, and the prerogatives of the board on hiring and firing,” the group said in a statement.
Maria Nowak, chair of the executive committee of Friends of Grameen, criticised the finance minister’s claim that Grameen Bank is a state organ.
She said the theme has already been developed by the foreign minister early January, to the astonishment of many, when the government has statutorily 25 percent of the equity of the bank.
“The source of this thinking is that there are, close to the government, views that the vibrant social sector of non-governmental organisations in Bangladesh should not exist and its task should be fully performed by the state.”
She said the letter by the central bank was issued although a review committee is currently investigating the activities of the Grameen Bank.
“Before it has had an opportunity to conclude its enquiries, the current process appears to be a bad faith, without legal ground, intimidation and a clear violation of Prof Yunus’ rights, and designed as such.”
Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is the head of Friends of Grameen’s honorary committee.

 

Courtesy of The Daily Star

Related News

Poor pay, allowances of teachers affect education

World Teacher’s Day today Shahin Akhter Poor pay-scale and allowances and low social status mark the poor condition of the teachers in Bangladesh affecting the education sector, observed educationists and researchers. They also said that the Bangladeshi teachers were lagging much behind their fellows even in the neighbouring countries in terms of these facilities and ... Read more

Protecting hilsa: 22-day fishing ban begins

News Desk : dhakamirror.com The government has put a 22-day halt on catching, transporting, storing, selling, and marketing hilsa throughout the country. This measure aims to protect the fish during its crucial breeding season. The ban started at midnight yesterday and will last until October 25, as stated in a notification from the Ministry of ... Read more

Road fatalities: 446 crashes, 417 lives lost in September

News Desk : dhakamirror.com In September, a tragic report from the Road Safety Foundation revealed that at least 417 people lost their lives and 682 were injured in 446 road accidents throughout Bangladesh. Among those who died, there were 63 women and 47 children, as highlighted in the foundation’s monthly report released today. In 151 ... Read more

Man’s fatal fall into Ramna Park lake

News Desk : dhakamirror.com A tragic incident occurred yesterday at Ramna Park in the capital, where a man drowned in the lake. The victim has been identified as 55-year-old Wasimul Haq. The police were able to identify him using fingerprint records. According to Ramna police SI Mizanur Rahman, he was discovered unconscious around 6:00 PM ... Read more

Tariff Commission’s size-based hilsa pricing strategy

News Desk : dhakamirror.com The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC), also known as the Tariff Commission, has suggested setting a maximum retail price for hilsa based on its size. This recommendation comes in response to the unusual spike in prices seen in the local market. On Sunday, the Tariff Commission released a report detailing ... Read more

Ekushey Book Fair won’t happen in December

News Desk : dhakamirror.com The Bangla Academy announced yesterday (28 September), that the previously scheduled dates for the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 have been postponed. In a press release, they explained that this decision was made following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 21, which indicated that the fair should ... Read more

Working in Bangladesh is quite challenging: CEC

News Desk : dhakamirror.com The Election Commission is grappling with a mix of challenges, both seen and unseen, as it gears up for the upcoming elections and responds to various demands, shared chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday. “These hurdles might not be apparent from the outside, but we’re constantly navigating through them,” ... Read more

Travel ban on Keokradong hill to be lifted starting from 1 October

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Great news for travelers! Keokradong hill in Bandarban’s Ruma upazila is set to welcome tourists again starting October 1. The district administration has finally lifted the travel ban that had been in effect for almost three years. Bandarban Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shamim Ara Rini announced the decision today (27 September) during ... Read more

Tree planting campaign to lower pollution, make city more attractive

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Shahjahan Mia has inaugurated a tree plantation and greening programme covering 33 road medians, spanning a total length of 31 kilometres, within the corporation’s jurisdiction. Under the “Zero Soil” programme, ornamental flowering trees and grasses will be planted across 28 DSCC medians, while the ... Read more

Krishi Bank ranks third in remittance collection

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Krishi Bank has shown remarkable success in collecting remittances from expatriates during the first eight months of 2025 (January–August). Known as bank for farmers due to its agricultural loan services, this state-owned institution has climbed to the third position in remittance collection from abroad in that timeframe. This notable achievement has ... Read more

North Bay low : Rain forecast for Bangladesh

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Many parts of the country is expected to witness moderate to heavy and very heavy rainfall in the coming days due to the formation of a low-pressure system over the north Bay and adjoining coastal areas, the Met office said in its latest forecast. According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s 120-hour weather ... Read more

Metrorail boosts service: Extended hours & more frequent arrivals

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Dhaka metrorail service is set to start operating earlier in the morning and later at night to better serve the growing number of passengers. Service hours will be extended by 30 minutes at both the beginning and end of the day, and the interval between trains will be reduced by nearly ... Read more

22% minors in Bangladesh’s sex trade

News Desk : dhakamirror.com At least 22 percent of victims of commercial sexual exploitation (abuse of a person, or a minor, through sexual activities in exchange for money, goods, or other benefits) in Bangladesh are children, said speakers at an event yesterday. They shared the information at the launch of “Project Shurakkha”, an initiative of ... Read more

WB Reports Bangladesh Heat Costs at $1.78 Billion in 2024

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Rising temperatures in Bangladesh are fueling a surge in heat-related illnesses, leading to the loss of 250 million workdays in 2024 and economic losses estimated at $1.33–1.78 billion, representing about 0.3 to 0.4 percent of Bangladesh’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, according to a new World Bank report. The report ... Read more

Police clearance no longer required for passports

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced that police verification will no longer be necessary for obtaining a passport, thereby reducing unnecessary hassle for citizens. “Getting a passport is a basic right. We have established a rule that eliminates the need for police verification,” he stated. While speaking at the opening session ... Read more

Metro rail achieves record 4 lakh daily passengers

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Metro Rail has achieved a remarkable milestone by carrying over 400,000 passengers in a single day. The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), which operates the Metro Rail, announced this achievement on their official Facebook page on Friday night. For the first time, Metro Rail recorded 403,164 passengers. The Metro Rail ... Read more

Most people, about 66% think civil servants behave as if they are rulers

News Desk : dhakamirror.com More than 100,000 participants have contributed their responses to reform commission’s online survey 80% of the respondents believe that the administration is not approachable for the general public, according to a survey conducted by the Public Administration Reform Commission. Additionally, 66% of participants feel that civil servants act as if they ... Read more

Former Justice Abdur Rouf dies

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Former Chief Election Commissioner Justice Md Abdur Rouf has passed away at the age of 91. He died around 10:00 am while receiving treatment at Insaf Barakah Kidney and General Hospital in Dhaka, as stated in a press release. Justice Rouf had been battling heart disease, lung complications, kidney issues, and ... Read more

Bangladesh climbed 4 positions to rank 93rd in global passport index

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Bangladesh has climbed four notches up in the latest Henley Passport Index 2025, ranking 93rd out of 99. However, the number of visa-free destinations for Bangladeshi passport holders has dropped from 42 in 2024 to 39 this year, reflecting a decline in global travel privileges. Despite this improvement in rank — ... Read more

BBS Findings show Madaripur most poverty-stricken district, Noakhali least

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Madaripur has the highest poverty rate in the country, with 54.4% of its population living below the upper poverty line. The district’s upazilas are also significantly affected by poverty, with Dasar upazila reporting a poverty rate of 63.2%, as per a survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). BBS ... Read more