Prof Yunus Urges Businessmen to Help Build a New Bangladesh

Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus  on Thursday called on the country's business community to collaborate with the interim government to build a new Bangladesh, as envisioned by the youth. Speaking at a national business dialogue organized by the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICCB) and 15 other business organizations, Yunus emphasized the opportunity created by the recent student-led uprising.

“The youth uprising has given us a chance to rebuild Bangladesh. Let’s unite and work for a new Bangladesh, leaving behind the corruption and decay of the past,” Prof Yunus said at the event held at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka.

He urged business leaders to play an active role in this transformation, noting that their entrepreneurial success is proof that great things can be achieved. He praised their courage in overcoming challenges and encouraged them to use the opportunities created by the youth movement to build a better nation.

Prof Yunus, a 2006 Nobel laureate, highlighted the need to honor the sacrifices of the students, saying, “The dream they’ve awakened in us must be realized. You, as businessmen, will be part of this vision if you reflect that dream in your actions.”

The Chief Advisor reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to building a new Bangladesh, promising that as long as they remain in office, they will work tirelessly to improve the country.

He pointed out that the student uprising against dictatorship was not a conventional movement but a revolutionary effort that brought the entire nation together. “Their sacrifice gave us this opportunity. Let’s not waste it,” Yunus urged.

Prof Yunus also emphasized the importance of reforms, calling on business leaders not to leave the responsibility solely to the government. He encouraged a collective effort to reform the country and correct past mistakes in honor of those who sacrificed their lives.

Additionally, Yunus highlighted the importance of fostering good relations between workers and employers, urging business owners to support workers and adopt fair labor practices. He expressed hope that Bangladesh would continue to compete on the global stage despite challenges posed by economic growth and the potential loss of export advantages.

He concluded by encouraging businessmen to engage in social business ventures aimed at improving the lives of marginalized communities, saying, “Invest not for profit, but for the benefit of others.”

Finance Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Planning Advisor Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, and former FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain also spoke at the dialogue.