Dhaka: Protesting the government’s interference in Grameen Bank, a section of public university teachers on Monday expressed their solidarity with Dr Muhammad Yunus to protect the undivided entity of the bank he founded.

The teachers, led by President of the University Teachers’ Associations of Bangladesh (UTAB) AFM Yusuf Haider and Secretary Prof Tahmina Akhter, criticised the government’s stance against Nobel laureate Dr Yunus and Nobel-winning micro-credit organization when they met him in the city, said a press release.

The teachers also greeted Dr Yunus for winning the US Congressional Gold Medal 2013. Dr Yunus received the highest US civilian award for on April 17 this year.

The UTAB leaders said in the press release said, “We believe if the government executes the recommendations of the Grameen Bank Inquiry Commission, it’ll be on the verge of destruction and lose its unique nature.”

The nation will not accept the character assassination of Grameen Bank founder Dr Yunus by the government and its attempt for ruining the bank that earned global appreciation for poverty reduction and women empowerment.

Terming the commission’s recommendations illogical, the UTAB leaders urged the government for rescinding its plan to break up the bank and establish government’s control over it.

Teachers of Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Chittagong University, Rajshahi University, Khulna University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh Open University, National University and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University were also present at the meeting, the release added.

The government in September last year formed the Grameen Bank Inquiry Commission to review the activities of the bank and 48 other  independent organisations founded by Dr Yunus in his lifelong efforts to eradicate poverty.

The commission is planning to recommend splitting Grameen Bank into 19 entities and having 51 percent government shares in the bank.

Ends/AMA/02/07/13