Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Invites Prof. Yunus to Speak

Ahmed Eltayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s future under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during a meeting on Tuesday in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Grand Imam, a respected figure in the Islamic world, lauded Professor Yunus for his vision and leadership, predicting that the country would flourish and reach new heights under his guidance.

In a significant gesture of goodwill, Eltayeb extended an invitation to Professor Yunus to deliver a speech at Al-Azhar, one of the world’s oldest and most revered Islamic institutions. He also announced that Al-Azhar University would offer new fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students, strengthening the ties between the two nations.

The meeting took place at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, where Eltayeb expressed his admiration for Yunus's wisdom and leadership, particularly in the wake of Bangladesh’s recent political transformation. “We are optimistic about Bangladesh’s future with your guidance. You are a man of great wisdom,” Eltayeb said. “Your country will rise to new heights following this revolution. I salute your wise approach to leadership.”

Professor Yunus, in turn, thanked the Grand Imam for the honor of the invitation and extended a reciprocal invitation for the Imam to visit Bangladesh and witness firsthand the profound changes brought about by the student-led mass uprising. During the meeting, Yunus elaborated on the uprising and the significant reform initiatives implemented by Bangladesh’s Interim Government.

The Grand Imam expressed hope that these reforms would continue and commended Yunus for his lifelong efforts to combat poverty, particularly through Grameen Bank, which pioneered microfinance and became a global model for poverty alleviation. Eltayeb also praised Yunus for his social contributions and leadership in empowering communities.

Reflecting on the historical support of Al-Azhar for his work, Yunus recalled that when he launched Grameen Bank in the early 1980s, Al-Azhar was the first major Sunni institution to declare that the bank’s interest-based model did not conflict with Islamic principles. Yunus expressed deep gratitude for the institution’s early endorsement, which helped solidify Grameen's legitimacy and success.

As a token of appreciation, Yunus presented the Grand Imam with a copy of The Art of Triumph, a celebrated art book showcasing murals and graffiti painted by students during the revolution. The Grand Imam praised the artistic talent of Bangladeshi students, acknowledging the vibrant contributions of those currently studying at Al-Azhar University.

The meeting highlighted the growing partnership between Bangladesh and Al-Azhar, emphasizing shared values of education, social development, and mutual respect.