Schakowsky Statement on Dr. Yunus, Efforts to Remove Him from Helm of Grameen Bank

WASHINGTON, DC (March 11, 2010)) -- Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following statement in response to efforts to remove Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and microfinance pioneer, from the helm of the Grameen Bank.

"I am very concerned by the Bangladeshi government's efforts to oust Dr. Muhammad Yunus from his post leading the Grameen Bank. Dr. Yunus's groundbreaking work on microcredit and microlending has assisted millions of people around the world in the fight against poverty.

"Many of those who benefit from microloans are women, who would not otherwise have direct access to funds. The Bangladeshi government's actions are a dangerous threat the autonomy of the Grameen Bank and its ongoing microfinance programs. The government of Bangladesh should comply with Dr. Yunus' reasonable request to 'secure the future of the institution.' The people of Bangladesh need the important services that Dr. Yunus has pioneered."