What next for Dr. Yunus? : Shared by Kul Gautam

 First, warm congratulations to the people of Bangladesh for reclaiming their democracy through peaceful elections. And gratitude to Prof. Muhammad Yunus for steering the country to this peaceful, safe landing despite enormous challenges. 

This seems like a fair assessment of Muhammad Yunus by David Bergman.   

I believe Yunus was the right person to lead Bangladesh at a difficult historic juncture, and, on balance, he discharged his responsibilities wisely and fairly. 

In politics, it is impossible to please everybody. In a highly polarized domestic context, where he faced the hostility of elements of the Hasina-led Awami followers (who had hounded him viciously earlier), and the highly exaggerated media diatribes from neighboring India, Yunus kept his composure and equanimity.

Like Thailand's Anand Panyarachun, history will remember Yunus as a historic transitional figure in Bangladesh. 

Regardless of what Yunus decides to do next, my respect for him remains undiminished and further enhanced. Adding to his Nobel Prize-winning contribution to poverty reduction and women's empowerment, his interim leadership in restoring democracy in Bangladesh will be yet another feather in his cap.

Let's hope that the Tarique Rahman-led BNP government will find ways to improve relations with India and facilitate reconciliation with a reformed Awami League, enabling it to participate in peaceful politics. 

Next stop - another Gen-Z inspired election in Nepal on March 5th. Wish the people of Nepal and our interim PM Sushila Karki similar success.

Kul

What Next for Dr Yunus?

Author: David Bergman

Publication: Counterpoint

Date: February 13, 2026

Click here for the article

Summary:

Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh's interim government remained popular in polls throughout their 18 months in power, though civil society elites in Dhaka rarely spoke favorably of him. Before July/August 2024, the country's elite respected but did not warm to Yunus; now he has lost much of that respect as well. This stems partly from the nature of governing and making difficult decisions balancing reform, accountability, and stability, and partly from controversial calls including perceived closeness to student and populist movements and apparent tolerance of widespread arbitrary detentions. 

Yunus appears unconcerned with elite opinion, possibly believing civil society failed to defend him during pressure from the Awami League, and has cultivated new alliances. In a London meeting, Tarique Rahman reportedly offered Yunus the presidency if BNP came to power. Those close to Yunus deny he is interested in the role, suggesting he intends to return to his earlier career work. 

With proposed constitutional changes giving more powers to the presidency, Rahman may now want someone more compliant than Yunus. However, a Yunus presidency could benefit Bangladesh considerably as he commands considerable international respect and no other Bangladeshi figure possesses comparable global stature.

Quotes:

"Despite domestic criticism from certain groups, he continues to command considerable respect internationally, and no other Bangladeshi figure possesses comparable global stature."

"A domestic focused Prime Minister operating with an internationally-minded President could be what the country needs."