United News of Bangladesh

Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, has demonstrated the transformative power of thinking beyond traditional economic frameworks, said Dr Yao Tang, associate professor of applied economics at the Guanghua School of Management, Peking University. In an interview with UNB, Prof Tang lauded Dr Yunus's innovative approach to microfinance and social business, calling it a timely reminder that real impact comes from courage, creativity and a commitment to change. He said Prof Yunus is a very prominent economist, as he had training in the United States and, more importantly, has spent a significant part of his career in microfinancing. Replying to a question regarding honorary doctorate conferred upon Prof Yunus by the Peking University, he said Prof Yunus is very famous in the world of economics and development, including in China. "It is both appropriate and a privilege for our university to honour him," Prof Tang added. Peking University, known for its excellence in economics and social sciences, found in Prof Yunus’ life work a natural synergy. The university has a strong tradition in development studies, with prominent scholars like Professor Justin Lin, a former Chief Economist of the World Bank, among its faculty. In assessing Nobel Laureate Prof Yunus’ global contributions, Dr Tang highlighted the uniqueness of his work in pioneering community-based financing. “Dr Yunus has introduced a model of financing that was not part of mainstream Western economics. His approach to community-based microfinance is a significant innovation that has reshaped global thinking about poverty alleviation and social empowerment.” Dr Yunus gifted tremendous ‘soft power’ to Bangladesh: Lutfey Siddiqi According to Prof Tang, Peking University is deeply invested in the development discourse and finds strong alignment between its own academic ethos and the values embodied in Prof Yunus’ work. “Our university has historically been tied to major ideas and movements within China’s development process. We highly appreciate the work done by Prof Yunus, and he has indeed influenced us, especially in development economics,” he said. Asked how Prof Yunus' message resonates with the younger generation, Prof Tang focused on the growing shortcomings of traditional Western economic models and the need for innovative thinking. “The Western model, particularly in the US, has shown increasing signs of strain—from financial overdependence to rising inequality. This tells us that alternative models are essential,” he said. Prof Yunus has shown the importance of thinking outside the typical boxes and being brave enough to innovate and make a meaningful impact on society, he added. He mentioned that the honorary recognition is not only a tribute to Prof Yunus but also a new chapter of collaboration between China and Bangladesh in the academic and development sectors. This honour will surely inspire greater collaboration between institutions in China and Bangladesh. “We are very interested in Prof Yunus’s vision and how it can contribute to broader development goals in his country and beyond,” he added. Looking ahead, Prof Tang hinted at potential future collaborations between Bangladesh and China. “There is growing interest in studying social enterprises and microfinancing models. After decades of practice, there are still many important lessons to uncover, and we expect joint research, seminars and programmes to emerge from this," he said. Prof Yunus' visit sparked widespread enthusiasm and admiration across the Peking University campus. Dr Yunus named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people “People were genuinely and pleasantly surprised. While we had important events lined up for late March, the news of Prof Yunus receiving the honorary degree came as a delightful moment. It brought pride and joy to our entire community, especially the students,” Prof Tang said. With this recognition, Peking University not only celebrated the life work of a global pioneer but also reinforced the importance of rethinking conventional models to address contemporary challenges—a message that continues to inspire future generations worldwide.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday said that universities should build young people to become successful entrepreneurs rather than mere job seekers. "I keep on promoting the idea that all human beings are born to be entrepreneurs, not job seekers," he said, stressing that doing a job is a wrong idea and a continuation of the tradition of slavery. Dr Yunus made the remarks while delivering a speech at the Peking University in the Chinese capital city. Earlier, he was conferred upon an honorary doctorate by Peking University (PKU) in a ceremony held at the university's conference. Encouraging students to imagine big things always aiming to change the world, he said, "Job forces you to do things that your supervisors want you to do." Sharing his idea of creating a new civilisation for greater good, the Chief Adviser said this is an imagination. "But the imagination is where the journey begins. Let us begin the journey," he said. Human beings are not born to be job seekers as they are creators, Dr Yunus said, adding that an educational institution is not only a place to learn what happens, but imagine. Dr Yunus said imagination is the greatest power. "If you imagine, it will happen. If you do not imagine, it will never happen." Dr Yunus returning home tonight wrapping up his "hugely successful" visit Asking the students to look back, he said things had happened because somebody imagined. Imagination is more powerful than anything we can bring together," Dr Yunus said. He encouraged them to imagine the most odd and unhurt things although doing such things seems to be impossible. "But, the human journey is about making the impossible possible. That is our job. And we can make it happen," Prof Yunus said. He said he feels the KPU is his home as he was accepted as an honorary professor of the university. "I am part of you though I couldn't spend much time with you." Dr Yunus described the PKU as a centre of knowledge, wisdom, innovation and excellence, the Chief Adviser said he feels honour receiving an honorary doctorate degree from such a prestigious university. He said conferring the honour reminds him of his commitment to relalise the dream of millions of youth who were the vanguard of the transformational change in Bangladesh last year. Their vision was to build a new Bangladesh which would be free from poverty and hunger, Dr Yunus said. Highlighting the reform agenda of his government, the Chief Adviser said it is working towards building a democratic and resilient Bangladesh, focusing on entrepreneurship where equal opportunities for all will flourish. He said people are not poor by birth, the Chief Adviser said wrong economic systems, where all people are not given a fair chance, make them poor. People suffer due to many wrong ideas prevailing in society, he observed. Focusing on the immense potential of women, the Nobel peace laureate said even the poorest woman in Bangladesh can be an entrepreneur taking a loan of US$ 20. Women can be entrepreneurs all around the world, he added. About the purpose of education, Prof Yunus said, "What should be the purpose of education?...the purpose of education is to enable us to go out and bring all creative capacity to change the world." He stressed the need for carbon-free economic systems to protect the planet from destruction. The Chief Adviser also focused on his “Three-Zero Theory" - zero carbon emission, zero poverty and zero unemployment. He also highlighted his ‘social business’ theory saying it is such a business that solves social problems. Asking the students not to contribute to carbon emissions, he said all should build themselves as ‘three-zero’ persons. Interview: Bangladesh-China relations to enter new stage, says Bangladeshi interim gov't chief adviser Yunus Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were present. At the invitation of the Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia, Dr Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan, China from March 26 to 27, and then at the invitation of the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Chief Adviser is visiting Beijing from March 27 to 29. Chinese President Xi Jinping had a bilateral meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus on Friday. Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang met Dr Yunus on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan Province. Vice President of the People's Republic of China Han Zheng also met the Chief Adviser in Beijing. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached extensive consensus during the visit.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus was conferred upon an honorary doctorate by Peking University (PKU) in a ceremony held at the university's conference hall on Saturday. After receiving the honorary doctorate, the Chief Adviser delivered a speech to the audience. He was received by President of the University, Chairman of the Council and a small group of Bangladeshi students studying at Peking University. The Chief Adviser had a brief meeting with the University leadership. Dr Yunus is scheduled to fly from Beijing Capital International Airport at 4:45pm (Beijing time). Vice Minister of China Sun Weidong and Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam will see him off at the airport. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to reach home at 8:40pm (Dhaka time) on Saturday. At the invitation of the Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia, Dr Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan, China from 26 to 27 March 2025, and then at the invitation of the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Chief Adviser is visiting Beijing from 27 to 29 March. Chinese President Xi Jinping had a bilateral meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus on Friday. Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, met Dr Yunus on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan Province. Han Zheng, Vice President of the People's Republic of China also met with the Chief Adviser in Beijing. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached extensive consensus.    

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