Celebrating 50 years of the Grameen Bank and 20 years of its Nobel Prize, Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus has recalled the early struggles during the founding of Grameen Bank.

He noted that the idea of microcredit originated from the 'harsh realities' of the 1974 famine.

Prof Yunus also highlighted how rural women overcame adversity to become self-reliant—gaining literacy, strengthening their roles within their families and communities, and becoming part of a broader social movement.

Grameen Bank arranged a reception on Sunday at its head office in Mirpur, Dhaka, to celebrate 50 years of the bank and 20 years of its Nobel Prize, honouring its founder and Nobel Laureate, Prof Muhammad Yunus.

Former and current officials and employees of the bank, along with people associated at various levels, were present at the event, said the Yunus Centre.

Prof Yunus arrived at the event in the afternoon and received a warm welcome from the Chairman, Board of Directors, Managing Director, and senior management team.

As the chief guest, he addressed the audience in a town hall session.

This marked Professor Yunus’s first visit to the Grameen Bank head office since stepping down as Managing Director in 2011.

During his visit, he engaged with former and new colleagues and offered insights to enhance the bank’s ongoing initiatives.

Following the event, Prof Yunus toured his former residence within the Grameen Bank complex and visited the Grameen Check stall.

He also joined a photo session with officials and had lunch at the training building’s cafeteria.

Grameen Bank Chairman Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Managing Director Sarder Akhter Hamed and staff of Grameen Bank received the honored guest.