Politics in Bangladesh is not Professor Muhammad Yunus’s calling—nor should it be. Let him return to the global stage of ideas, not the quagmire of politics.
Across the globe, few individuals from Bangladesh are as widely known, heard, studied, or celebrated as Professor Yunus. His economic theory of microcredit is taught in universities, his development models replicated in communities, his words awaited by audiences worldwide. The global recognition he has received, including the Nobel Peace Prize, is a testament not only to his innovation but to his enduring commitment to poverty alleviation through social business.
At home, his relations with both Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his daughter, Ex Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had long been marked by mutual respect. In fact, they had collaborated on several policy issues.
However, in 2007, when Professor Yunus took steps toward forming a political platform named Nagorik Shakti, the tide turned dramatically. Almost overnight, he was seen as a political adversary. A barrage of lawsuits followed. His simple critique—that politicians often fail to serve the people—was met with legal hostility and public vilification.
And thus, Professor Yunus was pulled into the political arena not by ambition, but by persecution.
What the world sees in Professor Yunus is not a partisan figure, but a thought leader of rare calibre. He is one of the highest-paid speakers globally. According to agencies like Core Speakers, Premiere Speakers Bureau, and Celebrity Talent International, his speaking fee ranges between USD 75,000 and 150,000 per event, depending on the occasion and audience. That figure alone tells us how highly sought-after his insights are.
Since August 8 last year, when he was appointed interim head of government, Professor Yunus has not been seen on international speaking circuits. The world has been deprived of his voice—his reflective thoughts on inclusive economics, social innovation, and community empowerment.
In Bangladesh, some have sought to cast him as a “philosopher-king,” but largely for their own political ends. These individuals are not disciples of knowledge, but tacticians of convenience. Professor Yunus does not belong in the chaotic theatre of Bangladeshi politics. He belongs in the classrooms, in the seminars, in the hearts of young thinkers, and in the policy dialogues of global forums.
So, who should govern this country? Perhaps the better question is: who should not be forced to govern? The demand for Professor Yunus to stay within the borders of political strife is a disservice to both him and the world. Bangladesh may not yet be ready to give its thinkers their rightful place. But must the world be deprived as well?
Let us bring him back into our academic institutions—universities, colleges, even neighbourhood schools. Let there be “Professor Yunus Classes” open to all. Let him teach, speak, inspire. That is his natural domain.
We are missing the lectures of a truly honest professor. Surely, the global intellectual community is too.
If you want to make him accessible to learners, we will stand by you a thousand times over. But if you want to bury his voice in the mire of political vendetta, count us out.
When our politics is ready for light, let the scholars lead. But that day is not today.
Author: Journalist
April 19, 2025