Ahmed Eltayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al Sharif, expressed confidence that Bangladesh would thrive under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. During a meeting with Prof. Yunus at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday morning, the Grand Imam praised his leadership and vision for the country’s future.
In addition, the Grand Imam extended an invitation to Prof. Yunus to speak at the prestigious Al-Azhar University. He also announced that the university would be offering new fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students, further strengthening the ties between the two institutions.
We are optimistic about the future of Bangladesh under your leadership. You are a man of wisdom," Ahmed Eltayeb said, adding the country would reach a new height after the revolution.
"I salute you for adopting wiser approach," he said.
Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed his gratitude to Ahmed Eltayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for the invitation to speak at the renowned institution. In return, Prof. Yunus invited the Grand Imam to visit Bangladesh to witness firsthand the transformative changes brought about by the student-led mass uprising.
During their meeting at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday, Prof. Yunus spoke about the ongoing reforms initiated by Bangladesh's interim government and the significant role of the youth in driving these changes.
The Grand Imam expressed hope that Bangladesh would successfully implement these reforms and praised Prof. Yunus for his exceptional leadership and social contributions. He lauded Grameen Bank's pioneering efforts in micro-lending and Prof. Yunus's lifelong commitment to alleviating poverty.
Prof. Yunus also took the opportunity to thank Al-Azhar for its support in the early 1980s when Grameen Bank was established. He recalled that the prestigious Sunni Islamic institution had affirmed that the bank’s interest system was in accordance with Islamic principles, providing crucial validation for the microfinance model.
During his meeting with Ahmed Eltayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presented a copy of The Art of Triumph, a renowned art book showcasing the murals and graffiti painted during Bangladesh's revolution.
The Grand Imam expressed admiration for the artistic talents of the Bangladeshi students behind the murals. He also praised the Bangladeshi students currently studying at Al-Azhar University, acknowledging their academic and cultural contributions to the institution.
Translated by Mazdud
