Dr. Yunus in politics

We have to get away from too much emphasis on personalities. What is more important in the long run is for institutions to evolve so as to strengthen democracy.

We cannot depend on the likes of Dr. Yunus or Mr. Fazle Hasan Abed of

Brac, extraordinary as they are, to save our country. Such deliverance, if at all is likely to be short-lived, and may indeed stunt the overall political progress necessary in the long run.

Strengthening of democracy in BD is possible if erstwhile politically powerless section of our society living in villages get empowered economically and educationally. They will then make their political presence felt. To the extent that Dr. Yunus, Mr. Abed and others are contributing to this important process, their work may have important political impact in the long run.

Societies and consequently their politics change when new groups of people successfully vie for political power. In this kind of tussle in a democracy, accountability is easier established. For instance, prosecution of the powerful for corruption is more likely when those in power are not part of the established elite. In the process, rule of law is strengthened. This is a process of cleansing that is missing in current Bangladesh politics. I believe the moribund and rotten politics in Bangladesh is directly correlated to the same socio-economic elite controlling everything at the expense of vast sections of the country.

Mr. Saifur Rahman's recent derogatory comments undermining the achievements of Nobel laureate Prof. Yunus and Grameen Bank are shocking and speak of bad taste. Contrary to the insinuations made by the minister belittling Prof. Yunus, he (Prof. Yunus) never claimed any credit for the economic development of our country. He has only been trying to uplift the poorest of the poor to stand on their own feet through a novel and hitherto unheard of practice of providing them with micro credit without any collateral. Regarding the minister's other comment that Prof. Yunus' proximity to the Clintons earned him the Nobel Prize smacks of jealousy, unfounded logic and leaves a bad taste in the mouth. He should know that the Nobel Prize Committee is not the highly politicised Public Service Commission of Bangladesh.

People with humble background and upbringing are known to have attained high positions and power in life through diligence, merit and sometimes luck. One thing such people invariably lack is class.

Tarique M. Ali, Gulshan-2, Dhaka