By Murniati Abu Karim and Nurin Batrisyia Bukhari
Photos by UKM COMMUNICATIONS
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 August 2025 – Chief Adviser of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, dedicated Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) newly conferred Honorary Doctorate to the people of Bangladesh.
He stated that the recognition served as a reminder of his responsibility to continue working towards the aspirations of the nation’s youth.
Prof. Dr. Yunus noted that the youth-led uprising in July and August 2024 had given new meaning to Bangladesh’s national identity and renewed hope for the future, as many young people had shown remarkable courage in standing up against a fascist regime.
“Their supreme sacrifice is my strength. I remain committed to building a country where no one suffers from poverty, hunger, or unemployment. A country that offers equal rights and opportunities for all,” he said.
GIVING A FAIR CHANCE
Prof. Dr. Yunus believes that people are not poor because they lack talent or dreams, but because the system has never given them a fair chance.
“Our financial system is built to serve the rich, not the poor. That simple truth led me to try something different. I created a system where even the poorest people could get small loans, start businesses, and change their lives,” he explained
What began as lending to a few women in a Bangladesh village has since evolved into a global movement, empowering millions worldwide to break free from poverty.
“Microfinance has helped millions of people around the world. It showed us that poverty is not a permanent condition—it can be solved.
“From this journey, I learned something important: every human being has incredible potential. But whether that potential grows or stays hidden depends on the system around them,” he stressed.
He urged young people to look beyond the traditional goal of securing a job and instead focus on creating opportunities that benefit both themselves and their communities.
THREE ZEROES
Rooted in a strong belief that a better world is possible, his vision is simple yet bold: Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Net Carbon Emissions.
“We can build a world without poverty. We can create a future where everyone has meaningful work. We can protect the environment instead of destroying it. The world we live in today is not fixed — we have the power to change it,” he said.
However, Prof. Dr. Yunus cautioned that the current global system is failing to address urgent challenges such as climate change, inequality, and economic instability, and if this system remains unchanged, he warned, the problem will persist.
“That’s why we need a new way forward. A way that focuses on social business, sustainability, and putting people before profit.
“For too long, we have believed that economic growth alone can fix everything. But if growth only helps a few and leaves millions behind, then it is not real growth,” he explained.
Prof. Dr. Yunus also warned against the growing concentration of wealth in the hands of a small elite, which he said fuels inequality and injustice.
An inclusive economy, he argued, is one in which wealth is more equitably distributed and every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity and purpose.
STRENGTHENING TIES WITH MALAYSIA
Prof. Dr. Yunus also highlighted the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and Malaysia, forged through mutual respect, cultural exchange, and shared aspirations for progress.
“Bangladesh and Malaysia have walked together in many ways. We have supported each other in our journeys toward growth and prosperity.
“Malaysia has been a trusted friend — helping us in developing our human resources and advancing technology,” he said.
Looking to the future, he expressed hope for deeper cooperation in emerging sectors such as the semiconductor industry, the halal economy, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship.
“I truly believe that with stronger collaboration in education, research, and trade and investment, Bangladesh and Malaysia can become a model for sustainable development and social progress,” he concluded.
