Prof. Muhammad Yunus

Professor Yunus served as Chief Adviser (Head of Government) of the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh from August 8, 2024, to February 17, 2026. Called upon by the nation following the historic student-led July Revolution of 2024, he guided the country through a successful democratic transition, overseeing a free and fair national election and formally handing over power to the elected government on February 17, 2026. Professor Yunus is the founder of Grameen Bank and a global pioneer of microcredit and social business. In 2006, Professor Yunus and Grameen Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to create economic and social development from below. He has founded more than 50 social business companies. In March 2012, Fortune magazine named him “one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time.” Professor Yunus has received numerous international honours. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the United States in 2009 and the Congressional Gold Medal by the United States Congress in 2013, becoming the first Muslim to receive the latter. At the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, he received the Olympic Laurel in recognition of his contributions to sport for development and for introducing the concept of social business to the sports world. In 2019, the Vatican awarded him the Lamp of Peace of St. Francis for promoting peace and harmony worldwide. Professor Yunus has received 66 honorary degrees from universities in 26 countries and more than 145 awards from 33 countries, including state honours from 10 nations. He is one of only a handful of individuals to have received the Nobel Peace Prize, the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal.