“Small Loans, Big Dreams: Muhammad Yunus, Grameen Bank and the Global Microfinance Revolution”, written by Alex Counts, founder of Grameen Foundation USA, was officially launched on Saturday afternoon.
The University Press Limited (UPL), publisher of the book, hosted the event at its central office in the capital.
The book Small Loans, Big Dreams not only narrates the story of microfinance but also presents a transformative vision for development and social business.
Addressing the event, Alex Counts shared his journey with Grameen Bank.
“In December 1988, after completing my degree, I came to Bangladesh on a scholarship to work with Grameen Bank. I spent 15 months in Daulatpur, Manikganj, observing the impact of microfinance on rural communities and interacting with Grameen Bank members. These experiences form the foundation of this book,” he said.
“Grameen Bank’s influence is profound, not just in Bangladesh but globally, in alleviating poverty through microfinance. The Grameen model has also been successful in the US, where over $1 billion in loans has been disbursed in areas ranging from affluent neighborhoods to the most underserved communities,” he added.
Attending the discussion of the book launching programme, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Fahmida Khatun described the book as an amalgamation of real-life experiences and in-depth research on Grameen Bank.
She observed, “The book demonstrates how microfinance has empowered marginalized communities, particularly women, and highlights the integration of social business with poverty alleviation.”
Speaking on the occasion, Lamiya Morshed, the chief coordinator of SDG affairs of the chief adviser’s office, said, “This book sheds light on Bangladesh’s economic landscape and Grameen Bank’s significant contributions to it. Alex Counts has provided a timely narrative of the bank’s role and impact.”
Managing Director of Grameen Shakti Social Business Limited Ratan Kumar Nag highlighted Alex Counts’ 36-year-long association with Grameen Bank and the people of Bangladesh, emphasising his dedication to promoting microfinance globally.
Managing Director of UPL Mahrukh Mohiuddin expressed her pride as her publishing house has been able to publish the South Asian edition of “Small Loans, Big Dreams”.
“The book was first published in 1996, and this edition underscores our commitment to amplifying the work of Grameen Bank and Professor Yunus globally,” she said.
The event was attended by researchers, economists, journalists, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
