In the last few months, Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Muhammad Yunus has experienced a record rise in popularity, not only in Bangladesh but also among the more than 13 million Bangladeshi expatriates living abroad. From rural farmers to urban youth, from intelligentsia to migrant workers—there is a swelling tide of appreciation for someone who embodies a new kind of leadership: one based on honesty, nationalism, and a vision for change. As one garment worker in Qatar put it, “We believe in Dr. Yunus because he speaks for us, not for the rich.”. He is the only political leader who knows how much we work hard for our families.”
- Honesty and Integrity at the Core
At the heart of Dr. Yunus’s growing popularity lies his unflinching commitment to honesty and personal integrity. In a political landscape too often marred by corruption, cronyism, and concealment, Dr. Yunus has been a shining example of ethical leadership. His own life, economic modesty, and long-time resistance to cronyism have drawn respect even from his political opponents. As one rural schoolteacher in Bogura said, “Dr. Yunus is the only leader who hasn’t enriched his family, but empowered the poor.”
- A Life of Service, Not Power
Unlike most political elites, Dr. Yunus has never sought Power for Power’s sake. His life’s work—innovating microfinance, creating Grameen Bank, and advocating social business—was motivated by a desire to develop systems that serve people experiencing poverty. He is people-oriented, not party-oriented leadership. In a country tired of dynastic politics and partisan politics, this is a critical difference and refreshing one. One of his small business clients in Barishal boiled it down this way: “He gave us loans when no one else would. That’s real leadership.”
- Crusader of the Poor and the Weak
Dr. Yunus’s image as an uncompromising crusader for people with low incomes is etched forever in the country’s socioeconomic history. His microcredit schemes, mainly offered to women, have emancipated millions from the grip of poverty. To rural families, Dr. Yunus was not an abstract intellect but a living messiah whose efforts bore direct and tangible results in their lives. His efforts in healthcare, education, and rural entrepreneurship have left enduring models for development. One woman in a village near Pabna said, “He didn’t just give us money—he gave us dignity.”
- Admired by the Remittance Warriors
The Bangladeshi diaspora community, particularly the “remittance warriors” of the Middle East, Europe, and North America, admire Dr. Yunus as a moral leader and global ambassador for Bangladesh. These Bangladeshis, who sent a combined total of over $28 billion in remittances last year alone, resonate deeply with his international stature and humility. His call for expatriate voting rights and investment mechanisms for the diaspora has met with acceptance, making him a leader who is a rare listener as well as a champion of the Bangladeshi diaspora. As one remittance worker in Italy shared, “He views us not only as senders of money, but as citizens with voices.”
- A Firm Voice Against Indian Hegemony
Among the most significant determinants of the popularity of Dr. Yunus is his firm and unbending resistance to India’s intrusion into the domestic affairs of Bangladesh. At a time when many political figures appear subservient to New Delhi’s influence, Dr. Yunus has emerged as a voice of sovereignty and national dignity. He has openly challenged unequal water-sharing agreements, raised concerns over border killings, and advocated for fair trade policies. For a population increasingly wary of India’s hegemonic role, Yunus stands as a defender of national interest. As one young activist from Sylhet said, “Only Dr. Yunus has the courage to speak what we all have in mind—that Bangladesh is not anyone’s backyard.”
- Why India Fears Dr. Yunus’s Ascent
Dr. Yunus’s growing popularity has not gone unnoticed across the border, however. The Indian government and its powerful media machinery—even labeled as “Godi media”—have launched a combined effort to discredit his image. From unsubstantiated charges of corruption to implied personal attacks, Indian media outlets and political operatives have joined forces to discredit his leadership and tarnish his international reputation.
New Delhi’s discomfort is rooted in Dr. Yunus’s refusal to align with India’s geopolitical playbook. He has consistently called out India’s unfair water treaties, particularly concerning the Teesta and Ganges rivers, and has resisted exploitative trade practices and regional dominance. His strong support for revitalizing SAARC and promoting BIMSTEC as a counterbalance to Indian unilateralism further unsettles India’s strategic vision.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, “You may never know what results come of your actions. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” Dr. Yunus has chosen action—daring, righteous, and revolutionary. His movement for Bangladesh’s independence and regional equality has appealed to citizens eager for a foreign policy of dignity rather than servitude. One such student leader in Chattogram gave this brief judgment: “India fears him because he cannot be controlled.”
- Principled Patriotism Leadership
Dr. Yunus’s patriotism is not ostentatious; it is principled. He has done all that he can to elevate Bangladesh’s image globally, whether by his Nobel Prize, his speeches at global events, or his partnerships with international leaders. His motto that “poverty should be in museums, not villages” demonstrates a strong sense of national pride and human dignity. To many, he represents the promise of a prosperous Bangladesh unshackled from domestic exploitation and foreign domination. “He is the pride of our country,” opined a Bangladeshi software engineer in Toronto.
- A War Against Corruption and Pillaged Assets
Another reason for Dr. Yunus’s rising popularity is his bold effort to recover and repatriate national assets that have been pillaged. His call for international cooperation to monitor the illicit flows of money and his demand that government contracts and public spending be made transparent have gained widespread acceptance. Amidst a period where political elites have allegedly plundered billions, his stand is revolutionary and so long overdue. As one academic at Dhaka University quipped, “He is the only one speaking of stolen billions with the courage to act.”
- International Respect and Homegrown Impact
Few Bangladeshi leaders have the kind of global respect that Dr. Yunus has. On the global stage, whether at the United Nations or Buckingham Palace, he is seen as a visionary committed to the shared future of humanity. His receipt of the King Charles III Harmony Award in 2025 served further to solidify his position as a global statesman on local roots. For Bangladeshis, this global endorsement is an issue of pride and a validation of his leadership. “The world respects him—and that makes us proud to be Bangladeshi,” said one New York community leader.
- A New Vision for Democratic Renewal
In his acting role, Dr. Yunus is demanding a rebuilding of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions—removing the judiciary from politics, safeguarding freedom of the press, introducing electoral reform, and empowering civil society. This dream, combined with his inclusive leadership, has reignited hope for real democratic change. “He makes us believe that real democracy is possible again,” a young Narayanganj voter remarked.
Conclusion: An Ethics and Hope-based Leadership
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
During a time when politicians and politicians are overwhelmingly disillusioned, there is Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who offers a rare combination of credibility, compassion, and competence. His growing popularity is not spun by PR machinery but earned after decades of moral service, visionary leadership, and unyielding courage in the face of oppression. In the dust plains of Nilphamari or among garment workers in Dubai, he is seen not just as a leader but as a moral force for the future.
While the nation looks for a new path forward, Dr. Yunus is increasingly becoming the face of that hope—a visionary who not only dreams of a new Bangladesh but dares to make it a reality.
And when he finally steps down from office, after having guided the nation through an open and free election, the people of Bangladesh will be aware of what they have lost. His absence will be felt in every town, village, and expatriate community. He will not merely be remembered as a new custodian of democracy but as a lasting symbol of what leadership should be: selfless, principled, and thoroughly human.