Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia has congratulated Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus on his receiving the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award of the United States.
In a felicitation message on Thursday, Khaleda said, “I am glad and feel proud that Prof Muhammad Yunus as an eminent son of Bangladesh was conferred the highest civilian award of the United States.”
Through achieving the award, he placed the country and its people to the prestigious seat in the world arena, she added.
The BNP chief also said Prof Yunus, earlier, had brought honour for the country through wining different coveted international awards like Nobel Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom of the US.
Recalling the contribution of Nobel Peace winner, Khaleda said Prof Yunus has established Grameen Bank, institutionalised micro-credit programme and contributed to empowering women and alleviating poverty.
She hoped that the congressional award will encourage Prof Yunus to contribute more to the welfare of the country and its people.
The BNP chief, however, lamented that attempts were made by the government to harass renowned figure like Yunus.
The former Prime Minister announced that she will take initiative, if voted to power, to utilise Yunus’ knowledge, wisdom and experience in the interest of people to enhance the image of the country, and develop relations with other countries.
She also thanked the US people, including its President Barack Obama, for honouring Prof Yunus.
On Wednesday, Prof Yunus was conferred the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his efforts toward combating global poverty.
BBN/SSR/AD-19Apr13-6:48 pm (BST)
