After elections, Yunus seeks to resume his professional role

Emphasising the revival of SAARC, he says: “The spirit of SAARC remains alive and strong.”

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has said he intends to return to his previous professional role following the general election.

Yunus conveyed this desire to Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, during a courtesy meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday, the Chief Advisor’s Office said on Thursday.

After completing his responsibilities as the chief of interim administration, Yunus plans to focus on implementing his sustainable development initiative, the “Three Zero” theory, an official from his office told bdnews24.com.

Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank assumed the interim government’s leadership on Aug 8, 2024, responding to student calls after the July Uprising, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. Before this, Yunus had promoted the “Three Zero” concept at universities, institutions, and seminars worldwide.

The “Three Zero” theory -- targeting zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions -- emphasises youth engagement, technological innovation, good governance, and social business, principles Yunus has articulated repeatedly in his global lectures.

In meetings with South Asian dignitaries who arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday for Khaleda Zia’s final farewell, Yunus also stressed the need to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

His office highlighted that he underscored the organisation’s continuing relevance during separate meetings with representatives from several South Asian countries.

“The spirit of SAARC remains alive and strong,” Yunus said. He expressed deep admiration for the respect shown by SAARC member countries towards Khaleda, noting the profound honour extended to the late leader.

High-level representatives at the Dhaka funeral included India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Pakistan Speaker Sadiq, along with foreign ministers from Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Yunus met with several of these officials at his official residence after the funeral, during which they paid tribute to Khaleda’s lifelong dedication to democracy and efforts to strengthen unity and cooperation across South Asia.

The visiting officials also noted the “unprecedented” public turnout at her funeral, reflecting the deep affection the people had for her.