Can we risk waiting another five years?
To be fair, the minister's views may be his and his alone, since the BNP secretary general and political secretary to the prime minister personally delivered bouquets and a letter congratulating Prof Yunus. In fact, if anything the initial absence of the Awami League and the 14 party alliance was more conspicuous.
While one should always have the right to criticize, one has to wonder as to the timing and content of the minister's statements. When the entire country is still rejoicing, is this the moment to be critical? There is little for us to celebrate thanks primarily to the political leadership, and when we do have something to be proud of vis-a-vis the world, trust a senior politician to put a damper on the proceedings.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The case for large scale industrialization and modernizing agriculture as expressed by the finance minister did not address the issue of ownership of the poor. Look at the recent discontent in the RMG industry which has experienced significant industrialization but with wealth concentrated in the hands of a few. As long as the poor continue to be bypassed, this discontent will remain. Prof Yunus's work, in contrast, demonstrates how the poor can effectively participate.
When the finance minister says that he had to intervene during protests against Grameen Bank or that the government has distributed more micro-credit than Grameen, it almost seems as though this was a favour. Is it not the responsibility of the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank to intervene if banks face difficulties? Is it not the responsibility of the government to distribute micro-credit to the poor? And if so, what about the high rates of default and cronyism in the government banking system?
The amazing network of friendships that Prof Yunus has built over the years is simply inconceivable for many. But even this is now being criticized. The plain truth of the matter is that Prof Yunus does not only know the Clintons but a host of many other influential and powerful global leaders. They, including other Nobel Peace laureates, were part of the reason for his nomination. The reason for his winning, however, is his work of three decades. If it were simply because of his friends, than why did he not receive it during the eight years when Bill Clinton was President?
Considering this sort of reaction from such a senior minister, is it any surprise that Kamran Choudhury's survey indicated 50% of the electorate as being undecided. A different political party, therefore, has the promise to attract many. Prof Yunus too seems to have hinted at such a thought.
While there may be opposing views as to whether he should enter politics or not, if such a party is in indeed floated, it will need to be realistic about its chances and the inherent risks. Politics require a different set of skills, knowledge and organizational ability and may not easily translate from one sector to another. I also feel that the upcoming elections may be too soon and perhaps one should prepare for the next one. But as one of my friends pointed out, can we risk waiting another five years?