US worried at govt actions on Grameen Bank
Calls for transparency in MD selection process
The USA yesterday expressed deep concern about the Bangladesh government's move to give the Grameen Bank chairman control over the selection of the bank's new managing director.
It also urged the Bangladesh government to ensure transparency in the selection of a new managing director for the bank.
“The United States is deeply concerned about recent actions the Government of Bangladesh has taken to give the government-appointed chairman of the Grameen Bank Board control over the selection of the bank's new managing director,” Patrick Ventrell, acting deputy spokesperson, Office of Press Relations of US Department of State, said in a statement.
This move would diminish the role the largely female borrower-shareholders play in shaping the direction of an institution that has made a difference to millions of impoverished women in Bangladesh, and indeed around the world, read the statement issued in Washington DC.
During her May visit to Dhaka, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni to take no actions that would undermine Grameen Bank, it said.
“We are concerned that the latest actions by the government could threaten the future of the bank, which was founded by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.
“We call on the Government of Bangladesh to respect the integrity, effectiveness, and independence of Grameen Bank. We urge the Bangladeshi Government to ensure transparency in the selection of a new managing director who has unquestioned integrity, competence, and dedication to preserving Grameen Bank, its unique governance structure, and its effectiveness in bringing development and hope to 8.3 million of Bangladesh's most vulnerable citizens, mostly women.”
The cabinet in a meeting on Thursday approved a proposal for amending an ordinance to give more powers to the Grameen Bank chairman to choose the managing director of the microlender.
STOP INTERFERING IN GB, URGES SENATOR BOXER
US Senator Barbara Boxer has called on the Bangladesh government to stop interfering in the management of Grameen Bank.
“I am deeply disappointed in the Bangladesh government's efforts to exert control over Grameen Bank,” she said in a statement issued in Washington DC on Friday.
“This move threatens the ability of millions of Bangladeshi women to find a path out of poverty. Critical decisions regarding the Grameen Bank's leadership should be left to the Board of Directors so that the bank can continue its vital work helping Bangladeshis start businesses and provide for their families.”
Grameen Bank is an important institution that provides loans and other assistance to 8.3 million borrowers, mostly women, said Senator Boxer.
She asked the government to stop interfering, so the borrowers can gain financial independence and help support their families.
The US senator argued that the Bank's Board of Directors, which includes nine women elected by the Bank's shareholders, should be empowered to appoint a permanent individual to the position of managing director.
On June 27, Boxer led the 17 women of the US senate in writing to Hasina, urging her to allow the Bank's Board of Directors to appoint the chief executive.
US worried at govt actions on Grameen Bank
Dear Captain America,
I am afraid that words like, "worried" and "urge" are not going to work with this government. They are hell-bent on offending you people, along with the EU. The only country they have close and amicable relations with is India. They wouldn't dare go against China because of the pro-China, self-pampered army.
I understand that you are busy with your "humanitarian missions" in the Middle East and beyond.
But, if you are truly committed to the cause of women in a Muslim-majority country (where apparently they are always "oppressed"), then I suggest that you get to the root of the problem.
You should know that there are external third parties involved in this. Albeit, more like a crude, multinational mafia-like organization.
Why does Joy still own mansions in Jacksonville, Florida? Ever thought of doing something about the AL champion who's one of the forefronts against the vilification of Dr. Yunus? Albeit, in the shadows? And he isn't the only one.
Why force the people of Bangladesh pay when it came to the denial of the WB funding for the Padma Bridge? Why not go against the individuals who are corrupting the system? And I'm not only referring to Joy. There are many greedy men who want to trick and rob out of the poor and destroy everything your precious Dr. Yunus worked so hard for.
Why this hypocrisy Captain?
The Bangladeshi people won't be able to do $hit for Dr. Yunus even if they support him. They simply do not have the means, and the strength. Protesting will not actually change anything with that party, since it never believed in democratic principles to begin with. And funnily, democracy is the one thing you shout about in Bangladesh along with the two other "D's".
If those thugs succeed, then I'm afraid that they would write history as in like: "Micro-credit is basically loan sharking"
The more you delay, the more (slowly overtime) they will progress in their unholy crusade. And this will happen on a global scale given that they have the means and resources.
And actually, I have no idea why you even support that man. But you are acting in pathetically predictable ways, and I'm losing my patience in this drama created by the thugs for whom
YOU are giving a free hand.
If you fail, it's your loss, and the loss of the poor people. Just don't blame that on us by placing sanctions.
Sincerely,
Zabaniya.
