Yunus demands private initiative to resolve problems

From The Daily Star (5th August 2006)

Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank wants his countrymen to stop criticising their Government and start doing something positive by themselves.

While commenting on the lack of airservice between Chittagong and Dhaka, he said:

"A shuttle air service between Dhaka and Chittagong is very necessary, and I think instead of pressing the government to initiate it, the private sector can do it," he said, adding, "Money will not be a problem as it is easy to collect it by floating shares."

The ability of government is very limited comparing to collective power of people, Younus said mentioning the collective efforts of his Grameen Bank.

"We started operation of Grameen Bank 30 years ago allocating Tk 856 among 42 women, but last year our bank allocated Tk 4500 crore among 65 lakh woman members across the country," he said.

He said it had been possible only for the collective effort and inner spirit of the members of the bank, Younus said, adding that the bank could not do so if it had wasted time demanding government or other external support.

Grameen Bank