Several NGO networks in a joint statement on 04 March 2011 said that transition in Grameen Bank’s leadership in an honorable and positive manner would maintain stability in the organization and uphold the country’s image. The way the issue is being highlighted in the international media is not conducive to the country’s image. Expressing deep concern over termination of Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus from the post of Managing Director of Grameen Bank without giving him the opportunity of self defence they said that the confidence of 3 crore microcredit borrowers, including 83 lac of Grameen Bank, and millions in the world will be shaken. The networks urged the Committee formed to scrutinize the Bank;s activities objectively to take necessary steps to end misunderstandings, if any, about the Bank’s management. They regretted that some people are spreading propaganda against Dr. Yunus following a Norwegian television documentary though it was resolved by the Norwegian Government years ago.
The statement was issued jointly by NGO Federation, Credit Development Forum (CDF), International Network of Alternative Financial Institutions (INAFI), Bangladesh Environment Lawyers’ Association (BELA) and Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BASF).
Sir Fazle’s statement: In a separate statement on 05 March 2011 the Founder and Chairman of BRAC Sir Fazle Hasan Abed expressed concern at the development about Grameen Bank and said that microfinance plays a very important role in Bangladesh in ensuring access to finance for the poor and enterprise development. The big capital of such organizations, he said, is the ‘intrinsic community level trust’ that they have earned which must not be underestimated. The loss of that trust, he pointed out, may lead to delinquencies bringing the organisation’s future in jeopardy. He hoped that for any step concerning Dr, Yunus or Grameen Bank due process will be followed keeping in mind the integrity of the institution and reputation of the country globally. Sir Fazle underlined the complimentary and supportive role to the Government in national development that the development organizations/NGOs are playing.
