Great Leaders Don’t Run After Power

 

Allegiant's famous quote perfectly describes Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus: "Great leaders do not seek power, they are called by necessity."   Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus is exactly such a leader, who was called by the nation out of necessity for Bangladesh. Despite his initial refusal, he answered the nation's call and is now working hard to bring the country out of its precarious situation and into a brighter future. His intellectual and leadership skills, as well as his global profile, are making a major contribution to solving the country's real crises and rebuilding it.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus is widely regarded as a visionary leader whose life’s work exemplifies selflessness and a commitment to uplifting the marginalized, without seeking personal power or political dominance. Below is an exploration of why he is considered a great leader, with a focus on his aversion to power for its own sake, grounded in his actions, philosophy, and impact.

Why Muhammad Yunus Is a Great Leader

Pioneering Microfinance and Social Business:

•  Yunus founded the Grameen Bank in 1983, revolutionizing access to credit for the poor, particularly women, through microfinance. His belief that “credit is a fundamental human right” drove him to provide small, collateral-free loans to those typically excluded by traditional banking systems. This innovation empowered millions to escape poverty by fostering entrepreneurship, impacting over 8.4 million borrowers in Bangladesh alone, 97% of whom are women.

•  His concept of “social business”—enterprises designed to solve social problems rather than maximize profit—further demonstrates his focus on systemic change over personal gain. The Yunus Centre, established in 2008, promotes this philosophy globally, emphasizing sustainable solutions to poverty and inequality.

Global Recognition for Altruistic Impact:

•  Yunus and Grameen Bank were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 “for their efforts to create economic and social development from below.” The Nobel Committee praised his ability to translate vision into practical action, benefiting millions not only in Bangladesh but across more than 100 countries where the Grameen model has been replicated.

•  He has received over 115 awards from 26 countries, including the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal (2013), the Ramon Magsaysay Award, and the World Food Prize, reflecting his global influence as a leader dedicated to humanitarian causes.

Commitment to Social Justice and Human Dignity:

•  Yunus has consistently advocated for the marginalized, from urging Myanmar to end violence against Rohingya Muslims in 2016–2017 to serving on UN commissions for women’s health and digital development.

•  As Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government since August 2024, he has prioritized constitutional reform and democratic inclusivity, responding to the call of student protesters to restore justice and stability after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. His leadership focuses on organizing a constituent assembly to draft a new, democratic constitution, emphasizing human dignity and freedom.

Evidence of Not Seeking Power

Reluctance to Enter Politics:

•  In 2007, during a political crisis in Bangladesh, Yunus briefly formed a political party, Nagorik Shakti (Citizen Power), to promote good governance and combat corruption. However, he abandoned the effort within months, citing insufficient public support and a preference for non-political solutions. This decision underscores his lack of ambition for political power, as he chose to focus on social impact over electoral influence.

•  A post on X from April 2025 reflects public sentiment: “Dr. Muhammad Yunus sir is never greedy for power. He will never cling to it by force. He is world-class in his personality and image.” This aligns with his actions, as he has consistently avoided power struggles.

Interim Leadership as a Duty, Not Ambition:

•  Yunus accepted the role of Chief Adviser in August 2024 at the urging of student protesters and the Anti-discrimination Students Movement, not through personal initiative. His appointment followed the resignation of Sheikh Hasina amid nationwide unrest, and he took on the role to stabilize the country and facilitate fair elections, not to consolidate power.

•  His leadership is explicitly temporary, with a commitment to step down once a new government is elected, reinforcing his focus on service over control.

Enduring Persecution Without Retaliation:

•  Yunus faced significant political persecution from Hasina’s government, particularly after his brief political foray in 2007. He was accused of labor law violations, tax irregularities, and embezzlement—charges widely criticized as politically motivated. Despite these attacks, Yunus maintained his focus on social work and avoided retaliatory power plays, even as Hasina’s administration targeted Grameen Bank.

•  In a 2024 interview with The Guardian, Yunus described these charges as politically driven, yet he expressed no interest in vengeance, instead emphasizing his concern about personal attacks from politicians and his commitment to rebuilding Bangladesh.

Philosophy of Selflessness:

•  Yunus’s writings, such as Banker to the Poor and Creating a World Without Poverty, articulate a vision of leadership rooted in empowering others, not amassing authority. He views poverty as a deprivation of “human value” and microcredit as a tool for self-reliance, reflecting his belief in enabling others to lead their own lives rather than controlling them.

•  His engagement with global initiatives, such as the UN Foundation and the Global Elders (founded by Nelson Mandela and others), shows a collaborative approach, prioritizing collective progress over individual dominance.
Critical Perspective

While Yunus is celebrated, some critiques exist:

•  Microfinance Criticism: The 2010 documentary Caught in Micro Debt alleged that Grameen Bank’s practices, including high interest rates, burdened poor borrowers. Yunus and the bank were cleared of financial mismanagement by Norwegian authorities, but the controversy highlights debates about microfinance’s efficacy.

•  Political Naivety: Some argue Yunus lacks the political acumen needed for governance, as noted in a Journal of Democracy article questioning whether he can navigate Bangladesh’s complex political landscape. However, this critique reinforces his non-power-seeking nature, as he prioritizes technocratic solutions over political maneuvering.

•  Public Divide: Posts on X and Reddit reveal polarized views. Some Bangladeshis criticize Yunus, citing religious objections to microcredit or alleging foreign influence, while others hail him as a transformative figure. These divisions often stem from political propaganda rather than Yunus’s actions, as seen in accusations from Hasina’s Awami League labeling him a “USA dalal” (agent).
Conclusion

Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus embodies great leadership through his pioneering work in microfinance, social business, and advocacy for the poor, earning global acclaim, including the Nobel Peace Prize. His reluctance to pursue political power—evident in his brief and abandoned foray into politics, his temporary role as interim leader, and his focus on empowering others—sets him apart as a leader driven by service, not ambition. Despite facing political persecution and criticism, Yunus has remained steadfast in his mission to create a world without poverty, prioritizing human dignity over personal gain. As a post on X aptly states, he is “the leader, the change maker,” trusted by many to guide Bangladesh without clinging to power.


Shahidul Alam Swapan is a private
banking financial crime compliance
expert and columnist based in
Geneva, Switzerland.