ULAB hosts book discussion with Alex Counts’ ‘Small Loans, Big Dreams’

The highlight of the event was the author addressing audience in fluent Bangla

The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has hosted a book discussion on “Small Loans, Big Dreams” by microfinance expert Alex Counts.

Held at its Dhaka campus on Tuesday, the event drew a diverse audience of students, academics, development professionals, and literary enthusiasts for conversation on microfinance, social entrepreneurship, and grassroots empowerment, the university said in a media statement.

The program commenced with opening remarks by Sarwar Uddin Ahmed, dean of the School of Business, who offered insights into Counts’ academic and professional journey and his contributions in globalising Grameen Bank’s philosophy, it read.

According to the statement, ULAB Vice Chancellor Imran Rahman reflected on the influence of microfinance in Bangladesh’s development. Arzoo Ismail, Senior Lecturer and BBA Program Coordinator, provided an overview of the book, highlighting its major themes.

The highlight of the event was a special discussion led by Alex Counts, it added.

Addressing the audience in fluent Bangla, he shared personal anecdotes about his close association with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, recounting how he became Yunus’ student.

He also spoke about his personal journey and how that aligned with his professional one.

The statement noted that the session concluded with a Q&A session and an invitation for participants to further engage with the themes of the book.