By Hege Opseth, Bistandsaktuelt hopseth@yahoo.com Translated by Unni Beate Sekkesæter
- If I am generous, the NRK Brennpunkt program was a piece of irresponsible journalism, says Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus to Bistandsaktuelt.
Muhammad Yunus speaks about the power struggle that was set on fire when NRK Brennpunkt showed a program about him and the Grameen Bank last year. He is not merciful to journalism in NRK. Photo: Scanpix
The NRK documentary is the direct cause of the Nobel Peace Prize winner having to leave his life's work - the Grameen Bank.
Today, he can no longer go out in the countryside and meet some of the millions of borrowers who have been part of his life for over 30 years. Yunus also cannot meet the Grameen Bank's first borrower - Sophia - which Brennpunkt said died as a poor woman. Those who were interviewed had nothing to do with her.
Sophia lives, we talk on the phone, they were talking to the wrong people in the program. It is extreme, it's terrible, says Yunus in an exclusive interview with Bistandsaktuelt. He adds that if he visits the villages that are part of the giant network of Grameen Bank, it will be looked upon with harsh eyes of the authorities in the country.
- They would say I try to influence the situation, so I cannot do this anymore, Yunus adds.
Muhammad Yunus is in Oslo in connection with the executive board meeting of the UN Foundation and conversations with Microfinance Norway.
- What has happened is very unfortunate. Half-truths and false claims, says Yunus about what was presented.
• Gives up his life's work - read about Yunus'avgang from Grameen Bank
Sad
In the power struggle for control of the world's first bank for the poor, the Norwegian program has frequently been used by Yunus' opponents. The allegations have been tough. He believes that what has happened has not only been devastating for him, but for the reputation of microfinance worldwide.
- The NRK documentary triggered much of what has happened and what is happening in Bangladesh now. The storm is far from over, it is still fierce and we do not see the end of it, says Yunus.
- How have you experienced the last few months?
- It feels terrible when you see that they have gone so far, we were totally unprepared and did not know how to handle the situation. Media is powerful and it is very difficult to change the impression created. Brennpunkt was the start that made all this happen.
- Are you bitter?
- I feel rather sad. You create something, people love it and the opportunities they have been offered through what is created. Then something totally irrational takes place, and I cannot even explain why this has happened. It is absolutely insane.
• International hero in the fight against the villain's role - read on Yunus' background
Yunus says that his opponents uses the information that came from Norway again and again and that for many it becomes a truth - even though many of the allegations have been refuted.
- Those who are critical of the Grameen Bank continues to talk about how bad it is with microfinance. Instead, it should have been celebrations - microfinance gives people dignity and work and it has directly affected the lives of people around the world, says Muhammad Yunus.
Accused of stealing
What was presented in Norway, was pulled out of all proportion in the country of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. There it was presented as if he had transferred money to his own accounts, something that never happened.
• Resigned after NRK documentary
- No one can explain why or who benefit from this. The borrowers were shocked and now they do not know what will happen next. The bank is based on a relationship of trust and if they feel they cannot have confidence they are very nervous. These are people who have a lot of money in the savings account. But I've got a lot of support, both internally and externally, says Yunus.
The cause of the power battle and “dirty laundry wash” is the result of some personal vendetta, according to some. And according to others, there are political motives following the government's desire to gain control of the bank that has a giant network that covers large parts of Bangladesh.
- What do you think is the cause?
- I choose not to comment this as it will only backfire on me.
• Found Innocent in new report - read the documents that absolve Yunus
Future
A new chairman of the board is appointed, but it is not yet clear who will take over the CEO position. 97 percent of Grameen Bank is owned by the borrowers, the remaining three percent are owned by the authorities in their country. Yunus fear that the new director will be handpicked by the government.
- In this way they will they be able to take all the decisions, he said.
- Is what has happened the end of the Grameen Bank, as we know the institution?
- We are very worried. But we are waiting until a new Managing Director is elected. If he is independent and the Chairman does not force him to make decisions, then we say that it is OK. But yes, we are worried, Yunus repeats.
- You say the Brennpunkt program is the cause of everything that has happened, and that you are no longer head of the Grameen Bank. Will you proceed to further actions related to the case?
- We have not decided. We weigh the pros and cons of doing it, says Muhammad Yunus.
