Bangladesh Development Initiative

PRESS RELEASE

October 16, 2006


Dear Professor Yunus,

The Board of Directors of the Bangladesh Development Initiative (BDI), USA, extends its heartfelt congratulations to you, and the employees of the Grameen Bank on receiving the 2006 Nobel Prize in peace. As fellow Bangladeshis we are proud of your success.

The Nobel Prize rightfully recognizes your contributions and that of your team to the economic and social empowerment of the poor, especially women, in Bangladesh. You have said that your vision is to live in a world where mass poverty is banished ("Poverty does not belong in civilized human society. Its proper place is in the museum"). This recognition of your life's work is ample testimony that you have done much to realize this vision, and the goal of a poverty free Bangladesh is within the reach of our generation.

Best wishes for a long life and success in the work ahead.


Ashraf Ali, D.Sc., MBA
Syed. S. Andaleeb, Ph. D.
Ahrar Ahmad, Ph. D.
M. Faizul Islam, Ph.D.
Farida Khan, Ph. D.
Syeda M. Khan, CPA
Ruhul Kuddus, Ph. D.
Munir Quddus, Ph.D.
Parhez Sattar
Elora Shehabuddin, Ph.D