UNIW Delegation Visit to Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Prof. Muhammad Yunus

UNIW Secretary General Mr. Eyüp Akbal, together with an official UNIW delegation, paid an official visit to Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh and Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist, at his office in the capital city of Dhaka.

During the meeting held on July 6, 2025, the expansion of social business activities across the Islamic world and the strategic role of civil society organizations in this process were addressed. The visit took place at the Jamuna State Guest House in a warm, friendly, and constructive atmosphere.

Addressing Islamic NGOs during the audience, Prof. Muhammad Yunus made the following call: "Undertake more social business initiatives to support Muslim communities." Furthermore, highlighting healthcare delivery as one of the most effective means of empowering the underprivileged, he expressed their encouragement of youth entrepreneurship with the words: "We view healthcare services as a vital pathway to support the poor."

The delegation representing UNIW during the meeting included:

• Eyüp Akbal – UNIW Secretary General (Turkey)
• Dr. Halit İsa – ATAA Representative (Turkey/Syria)
• Fauwaz Bin Hasbullah – WADAH & UNIW Representative (Malaysia)
• Muhammad Abdus Shakoor – UNIW Representative (Pakistan)
• Dr. Salamun Bashri – UNIW Representative (Indonesia)

The meeting was also attended by prominent Bangladeshi academicians, civil society leaders, and government officials. Participants emphasized that the "social business" model pioneered by Prof. Yunus should be disseminated across the Islamic world and implemented in alignment with sustainable development goals.

The visit laid a solid foundation for new bilateral partnerships between UNIW and the Bangladeshi administration focusing on women's healthcare, youth economic integration, and social business enterprises. News regarding the delegation's visit was widely covered across Bangladesh's leading media outlets, including Dhaka Tribune, The Business Standard, and Daily Sun.