WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Biden met with Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus at the White House on Tuesday, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to supporting Bangladesh. The discussion between Biden and Yunus, who is recognized for pioneering microfinance and social business, focused on enhancing bilateral relations, economic collaboration, and development initiatives in the South Asian country.
During the meeting, Biden commended Yunus for his decades of work to uplift impoverished communities through microcredit, an approach that began with his Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. Biden also acknowledged Yunus’ impact on reducing poverty and advancing social entrepreneurship, a model now adopted in countries worldwide.
Biden assured Yunus that the United States is ready to support Bangladesh’s development objectives, particularly in areas such as economic growth, poverty reduction, and resilience to climate change. Bangladesh, one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, has made significant progress in raising living standards but continues to face challenges like climate vulnerability and income inequality.
“The U.S. values its partnership with Bangladesh and is committed to supporting its continued progress,” Biden said, according to White House officials. “We recognize the importance of inclusive growth, and the leadership of individuals like Muhammad Yunus is crucial to achieving these goals.”
The two leaders also discussed Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections, with Biden underscoring the need for free, fair, and transparent voting.
Yunus, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work fostering grassroots economic development, expressed his gratitude for U.S. backing. He emphasized the importance of advancing a global movement toward social business—companies designed to solve societal problems rather than generate profits.
“Bangladesh has made extraordinary progress over the years, and with strong international partnerships, we can continue to tackle the challenges ahead,” Yunus said. “I am grateful for the U.S.’s support and the opportunity to collaborate on our shared goals.”
The meeting underscored the growing partnership between the United States and Bangladesh, as both leaders stressed the importance of collaboration in trade, investment, and addressing climate change. As a country highly vulnerable to climate impacts, Bangladesh has benefitted from Yunus’ leadership in promoting sustainable solutions.
Biden reiterated that the United States remains a strong ally to Bangladesh as it confronts these challenges. “Our commitment to Bangladesh remains steadfast,” Biden said. “We will continue to support efforts that promote stability, growth, and prosperity for everyone.”
