Muhammad Yunus: We dream of creating a new Bangladesh

Jun 17, 2025

In a compelling conversation, Muhammad Yunus, the interim leader of Bangladesh and Nobel Prize-winning economist, shares insights on his mission to unite a nation after political upheaval. He discusses the pivotal role of youth in driving change and the urgent need to address corruption and humanitarian crises, particularly regarding Rohingya refugees. Yunus also reflects on navigating reduced foreign aid and the complex political landscape as the country prepares for upcoming elections, all while facing significant challenges.

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INSIGHT

Calming Post-Uprising Bangladesh

The interim government calmed down widespread anger and hatred after protests.
Normal activities like work and exports resumed, stabilizing the economy.

INSIGHT

Vision of a New Bangladesh

A new Bangladesh means freedom, democracy, and human rights finally realized.
Young people led the uprising and carry the vision of turning dreams into reality.

INSIGHT

Massive Wealth Theft Revealed

Bangladesh faces massive theft of wealth with $234 billion siphoned globally.
The scale of stolen money is mind-boggling even for experts in microloans.

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Rajini Vaidyanathan, BBC News presenter and correspondent, speaks to Muhammad Yunus, interim leader of Bangladesh.

The 84-year-old is perhaps one of the world’s best-known Bangladeshis. Described as the banker to the world’s poor, he gained international recognition as a Nobel prize-winning economist, who founded the Grameen microfinance bank, which delivered small loans to economically deprived people.

It was a model applauded by many and is one which now operates across more than 100 countries worldwide.

But it’s also a model which was criticised by his political rival - Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who accused Mr Yunus of sucking blood from the poor. Her government made a series of allegations against him, including embezzlement, all of which he denies.

And it was the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government last August that saw Muhammad Yunus thrust into the political spotlight.

Student-led protests saw thousands take to the streets in an uprising against her Awami league government, which was accused of election rigging, human rights abuses and jailing critics.

When Ms Hasina fled to neighbouring India, student leaders picked Muhammad Yunus to unite a divided nation. As well as promising to stamp out corruption, he’s also faced the challenges of managing a refugee crisis on his doorstep and navigating cuts to foreign aid.

So, after nearly a year in the job, how is he faring? The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Rajini Vaidyanathan Producers: Ben Cooper and Junaid Ahmed Editor: Nick Holland

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Muhammad Yunus. Credit: Reuters/Yves Herman)