Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has been named among TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025. This recognition follows his pivotal role in steering Bangladesh toward democracy following last year’s student-led uprising. In a tribute published in the Time, former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton praised the Nobel Peace Prize laureate for stepping into leadership during a critical juncture in the nation’s history. “After a student-led uprising toppled Bangladesh's authoritarian prime minister last year, a known leader stepped up to guide the nation toward democracy: Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus,” Clinton writes. BDR massacre: Dr Yunus says mystery must be uncovered Highlighting Yunus’ legacy, Clinton recalled his work in founding Grameen Bank, which revolutionised microfinance by extending small loans to impoverished communities—97% of them women—enabling millions to start businesses, support their families, and reclaim their dignity. “I first met Yunus when he travelled to Arkansas to help then Governor Bill Clinton and me set up similar programs in the US,” she said. “Since then, wherever I've travelled in the world, I have witnessed the extraordinary impact of his work—lives transformed, communities lifted, and hope reborn.” Clinton noted that Yunus has once again responded to his country’s call by leading the post-uprising transitional government as Chief Adviser. “As he shepherds Bangladesh out of the shadows of oppression, he is restoring human rights, demanding accountability, and laying the foundations for a just and free society,” she added. The Time 100 list honours influential figures worldwide for their impact and leadership.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday questioned whose agenda Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is serving by repeatedly citing vague election timeframes—such as December or June—instead of providing a specific and concrete roadmap. “Why can't you settle down on one timeline? You are a world-famous and respected person. Such shifting won’t be well received nationally and internationally,” he said while addressing the National Representative Council 2025 of the Bhasani Anushari Parishad at the Jatiya Press Club auditorium. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the Chief Adviser, during his last meeting with BNP, promised that his government’s activities would be carried out with the aim of holding the national election by December this year. He said their party also spoke to the Election Commission, which informed them it would be ready by June this year to conduct the election. The BNP leader urged the government to take prompt steps to establish a democratic government elected by the people’s vote. “Several thousand people were martyred for the restoration of the right to vote, democratic rights, and constitutional rights, ultimately achieving the return of elections. Fascism also collapsed through mass uprisings. Now, by denying that very election, whom are you trying to encourage, and which unconstitutional force is benefiting from it?” he said. Current Govt Unelected Salahuddin said whenever BNP demands the promised electoral roadmap from the Chief Adviser to hold the national election by December various advisers make conflicting statements at different times to divert attention from the issue. He said the Home Affairs Adviser recently claimed people want the interim government to remain in power for five years. BNP requests meeting with CA to dispel election confusion The BNP leader also referred to Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter’s remarks on Saturday, where she claimed that the interim government was 'elected' by the people through a mass uprising. "If that’s the case, then why does the country even have an Election Commission? A change in government through street movements may reflect public sentiment, but it cannot be a substitute for an elected government. You are undoubtedly unelected, and that will be reminded to you every day," he said, pointing at the current government.  Depoliticisation Salahuddin expressed frustration that not all democratic parties are speaking out in unison in favour of holding timely elections and restoring democracy promptly. “We have a wide range of experiences. Even those who orchestrated the 1/11 changeover remained in power for two years under various pretexts,” he recalled. Referring to the political shift in 2007, Salahuddin said the then Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin-led regime made significant efforts to depoliticise the country. “I’m not saying similar steps are visible at present. But we are like a burnt child that fears even the slightest sign of fire,” he said. Salahuddin said the one-point movement that launched against Sheikh Hasina regime was rooted in a deep desire to restore democratic and constitutional rights and to establish a fair and equal society. He clarified that the recent student uprising was not a social or economic revolution, but a democratic movement against fascism aimed at reclaiming the people’s rights. Salahuddin recalled Bhasani’s contributions to the country and to establishing the rights of working people. The BNP leader bemoaned that though Moulana Bhasani was one of the founders and key leaders of the Awami League, the party did not recognise his role and contributions. He welcomed the Bhasani Janashakti Party, a new political group formed by the Bhasani Anushari Parishad, which aims to build a fair and prosperous Bangladesh. “Another new force has joined the journey of democracy in Bangladesh. We hope they will play a positive role in favour of the country's democracy and the people,” Salahuddin said.

Thanking US President Donald Trump for his latest decision on tariff issue, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said they will continue to work with the Trump Administration in support of his trade agenda. "Thank you, Mr President, for responding positively to our request for 90-day pause on tariffs. We will continue to work with your administration in support of your trade agenda," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said quoting the Chief Adviser as saying. Facing the cratering of global markets, Trump on Wednesday backed off his tariffs on most nations for 90 days, saying countries were lining up to negotiate more favorable conditions. Chief Adviser Dr Yunus, earlier wrote to US President Donald Trump, urging him to delay the implementation of reciprocal tariff measures on Bangladesh for three months. In a letter, Prof Yunus requested the postponement the tariffs allowing the interim government sufficient time to implement its initiative aimed at significantly boosting US exports to Bangladesh. Trump pauses reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, except for China Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder confirmed to UNB regarding the letter. "We are the first country to take such a pro-active initiative", he said in his letter, citing the visit of High Representative Dr Khalilur Rahman to Washington DC in February. Ever since, the two sides have been working closely to identify specific actions, he said. Bangladesh is also the first country to enter into a multi-year agreement to import liquefied natural gas from the US.

Bangladesh and Myanmar have discussed the humanitarian assistance provided by Bangladesh, including the deployment of Bangladeshi rescue teams to Myanmar, in response to the disaster. “We remain ready to provide further humanitarian support. Our ships are ready,” said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. He made the assurance when Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Administration Council of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met him on the sidelines of the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday. Prof Yunus expressed condolences and sympathy to the people of Myanmar following the tragic loss of life caused by the earthquake on March 28, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Hugely inflated, bulk of them were fake news: Yunus tells Modi over attacks on minorities The Myanmar Prime Minister congratulated Prof Yunus on assuming the chairmanship of BIMSTEC by Bangladesh. He hoped the regional grouping would witness a new dynamism with the Bangladesh leadership.

Highlighting the risks of wealth and power concentration, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said a society collapses sooner or later if wealth and power concentration happens in it. “Unless wealth is shared, you cannot sustain a society,” he said while delivering his keynote speech at the BIMSTEC Young Gen Forum, a forum that inspired young entrepreneurs. Dr Yunus, who created microcredit, invented social business, and earned a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in alleviating poverty, is now paying a two-day visit here to attend the BIMSTEC Summit on Friday. Thailand is hosting the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Bangladesh will take responsibility as the next chair of BIMSTEC on Friday. Dr Yunus arrives in Bangkok ahead of BIMSTEC Summit Thailand has taken over the BIMSTEC Chairmanship from Sri Lanka since 30 March 2022. Talking about the new civilisation, Dr Yunus said businesses should not be greed driven and that is the first condition of the new civilisation. “Greed will destroy us. Why? Because whatever all the things that we talk about, we promise the government to see this is what we're doing. Our country is moving forward. Our GDP is growing and all that - growth rate is so high. So what? This gets concentrated in a few hands. They become richer and richer, and we call it development. We call it growth, we call it a fantastic economy,” said the chief adviser, adding that this way the seed of self-destruction is planted. He said this is one reason why civilisation cannot sustain and on top of it, they are destroying the planet. Dr Yunus, who established the Grameen Bank in 1983, laid emphasis on challenging the system to change the world. “You cannot create the world with the same system. If you want to change the world, you have to change the system. There's no other option for you. If you go by the same road, you'll always get to the same destination. If you want to go to a new destination, you have to build a new road,” he said. The chief apdviser said the young generation today is so different. “I keep mentioning to the young generation that you are the most powerful generation in human history.” “And you're taking this most powerful generation and putting them into work for somebody else, taking orders from somebody else.

The interim government on Wednesday said they want to proceed maintaining good relations with all countries and highlighted that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ comment relating to the Northeastern states of India was made with honest intentions, keeping in mind the benefits of regional connectivity. “He made the statement with honest intentions. If different interpretations are provided, we cannot prevent it,” Chief Adviser’s High Representative for the Rohingya issue and other priority Dr Khalilur Rahman said while responding to a question at Foreign Service Academy. Govt working to prevent extremism from flourishing in Bangladesh: Adviser Mahfuj “Seven states of India, eastern part of India, called seven sisters… they are landlocked... landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean,” Dr Yunus said recently in Beijing at a business dialogue. “We are the only guardian of the ocean for all this region. So, this opens up a huge possibility. So, this could be an extension of the Chinese economy. Build things, produce things, market things, bring things to China and bring it out to the whole rest of the world,” Dr Yunus said, inviting Chinese investors to Bangladesh. Prof Yunus also said that Nepal and Bhutan have unlimited hydropower, which is a blessing for the region. “We can bring it to our purpose for setting up factories and so on. From Bangladesh you can go anywhere you want. The ocean is in our backyard. So, this is the opportunity that you want to take,” he said. A number of Indian leaders and scholars have reacted to Prof Yunus’ comment. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, said the remarks by Dr Yunus were "offensive, strongly condemnable and provocative." This remark underscores the persistent vulnerability narrative associated with India’s strategic “Chicken’s Neck” corridor, Sarma said. Asked about Bangladesh’s position on Indian leaders’ reactions, Dr Rahman said the Chief Adviser has not made this comment for the first time. He made similar comments in 2012. He also referred then Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who in 2023 had spoken of a vision of creating an industrial value chain connecting Bangladesh and Northeast India, which was known as BIG-B or the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt. “I had earlier said connectivity can unleash the potentials of the region, especially for those who find it difficult to have access to the sea. “We will not impose connectivity on anyone. We are not in that position. If anybody accepts, well. What can we do if it is not accepted? We have nothing to do,” said the High Representative. Dr Rahman said the Chief Adviser made the statement with honest intention. “If different interpretations are provided, we cannot prevent it. We can only say that we are willing to provide connectivity for equitable benefit of all.” Khaleda Zia undergoes 'complete health check-up in London Bangladesh eyes a meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 4. The interim government also does think paying a visit to a particular country (China) will cause damage to a relationship with another country (India). BIMSTEC Sidelines: Yunus, Modi first-ever in-person meeting set for April 4 "It's not a zero-sum game," High Representative to the Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday. Dr Yunus and PM Modi are scheduled to be in Bangkok on Thursday on a two-day visit.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday sought support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in an effort to export fruits and farm products to China in a bigger way. The Chief Adviser met FAO Director General Qu Dongyu on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in the coastal Chinese town where he made the request for support, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Professor Yunus said China is emerging as a top importer of agriculture and aquaculture products, but Bangladesh was unable to tap into the market due to a lack of understanding of the Chinese markets. FAO, Bangladesh join forces to make public spending key driver of productivity, prosperity He urged the FAO DG, who was a former senior official of China, to act as a matchmaker between Chinese importers and Bangladesh farm and fruit producers. "We need support in fruit processing and in vegetable preservation, storage and packaging. You can connect China with our farmers and exporters," Professor Yunus said. He said China would soon import mangoes from Bangladesh, and the country can easily develop more exportable vegetables and fruits with FAO's assistance. The Director General offered FAO's full support to Bangladesh, saying his organisation would take up a new project in an effort to export Bangladesh farm products to China. "We are matchmakers. We will establish a new network" between Bangladeshi and Chinese farm companies, Qu Dongyu said. He said Bangladesh is the largest recipient of FAO's assistance, and he wished that Bangladesh would do well under the leadership of Professor Yunus. FAO, Bangladesh to work together to accelerate food security "You are my older brother. I sincerely hope your country does great. We will help you, for sure, he said. Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Kabir Khan was also present during the meeting.  

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Thursday morning met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who is attending the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, and discussed issues of shared interests and mutual cooperation. The meeting was held at Bo’ao State Guest House and lasted for over 30 minutes. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, had separate meetings earlier on Wednesday with other foreign leaders who are attending the conference. Dr Yunus begins day at Boao with packed schedule; holds talks with Chinese Vice Premier Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of China Chen Huaiyu met the Chief Adviser today (Thursday). After the meeting, he addressed the opening plenary of the Bo’ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 at the BFA International Convention Centre Zhang Jun, Secretary General of Bo’ao Forum for Asia, Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of Bo’ao Forum for Asia and Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Lao PDR also spoke at the session while Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of China, delivered the keynote speech. On the sidelines of the Forum, Dr Yunus held meetings with the former Secretary-General of the United Nations and the current Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, Ban Ki-moon, Alexei Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and the Director-General of FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization) Qu Dongyu. Themed "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future", the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 is being held here from March 25 to 28 in Boao, South China's Hainan Province. Asia must strengthen cooperation as destinies are intertwined: Dr Yunus Boao is a coastal town in the city of Qionghai, Hainan. The Chief Adviser is on a four-day visit through which Dr Yunus thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are accompanying the Chief Adviser.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday expressed confidence that the upcoming national elections would be the most free, fair and credible in Bangladesh’s history. “As I said before, and I say again, elections will be held between December this year and June next year,” he said in a televised address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day and Eid-ul-Fitr. He highlighted that the Election Commission has already begun preparations and urged political parties to engage with enthusiasm. CA to address nation this evening Dr Yunus also noted that the Consensus Commission is actively gathering opinions from all political parties. “The commission aims to identify common ground among political parties and compile a consensus-based document. The parties endorsing this will sign what will be termed the ‘July Charter,’” he explained. He assured that the government’s role is to ensure transparency in the entire process and facilitate the elections upon its completion.    

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus’ visit to China would be "very successful, productive and a milestone visit" with some announcements. "We are working very closely with Bangladesh...we are still discussing," he said when a journalist approached him after his meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Responding to a question, Ambassador Yao said this is something between Bangladesh and China as the two countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. About the announcement, he said, "Wait and see. We are still working on it." Talking to reporters very briefly, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said no agreement will be signed during the visit, but a few MoUs are likely to be signed. Dr Yunus invites global investors to explore "extraordinary opportunities" in Bangladesh Chief Adviser Dr Yunus' scheduled visit to China from March 26-29 is going to be the “most important visit” by a Bangladesh leader over the last 50 years, as the two countries are eyeing to take the relations to a new height. “This is going to be the most important visit by a Bangladeshi leader in 50 years,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, quoting Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen who met Dr Yunus on March 16. Alam said a big focus will be given on relocation of Chinese factories to Bangladesh to make the country a manufacturing hub "We want to create a revolution in the manufacturing sector," said the press secretary, adding that it helps create more jobs and boost exports from Bangladesh to the global market. He said there will be a series of engagements during the chief adviser's China visit. Ambassador Yao called on the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna to discuss the upcoming visit to China. Chinese solar panel giant Longi to invest in Bangladesh: Ambassador Yao Highlighting the outcomes of the meeting, Alam said the Boao Forum for Asia is called Davos of the East where top leaders of Asia and different countries and chief executive officers (CEOs) of giant global firms participate. On the sidelines of the forum, he said, the chief adviser is likely to have meetings with CEOs of some companies. Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold their first-ever bilateral meeting on March 28. Dhaka and Beijing are eyeing stronger ties, marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations. The chief adviser will attend a programme on March 29 at Peking University and will return to Dhaka at night (same day). As per the plans, the chief adviser will first attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, South China's Hainan Province. On March 27, Dr Yunus will participate in the inaugural plenary session of the BFA and Executive Vice President of the State Council will meet the Chief Adviser the same day. On August 25 last year, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen conveyed the Chinese leadership's invitation to Dr Yunus to visit China at his convenience. This will be most important visit by any Bangladesh leader, says Ambassador Yao ahead of Dr Yunus' visit “China and Bangladesh are best friends and trustworthy partners. So, whatever change is taking place internationally or domestically in Bangladesh, our policy remains steadfast,” Ambassador Yao said recently, adding that no matter who forms the government China wants to be their partner and their policy is not related to any particular government. He said they believe their cooperation is for the benefit of all the Bangladeshi people and the people of China as well. BFA Secretary General Zhang Jun said with the theme "Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future," this year's event will focus on development, foster dialogue, explore innovative formats and value tangible outcomes, all aimed at promoting international development and cooperation. He said the theme is intended to reinvigorate multilateralism, promote openness and development, jointly respond to global challenges, and carry out the commitments of the UN Summit of the Future while focusing on the development of Asia. Many heads of international and regional organisations, ministerial-level officials, entrepreneurs of Fortune Global 500, and renowned experts and scholars have already confirmed their participation in the annual conference, Zhang said. Guterres: Societies "stronger, more resilient" in Bangladesh when everyone can play "meaningful role" He said the event will focus on four subject areas: building trust and promoting cooperation in a fast-changing world; rebalancing globalisation for inclusive development; accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals for more effective responses to global challenges; and strengthening AI application and governance for innovation-driven development.