Prof Yunus returns to CU after 36 years

The Chittagong University (CU) campus is abuzz with excitement as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus returns today after 36 years to attend the university's fifth convocation.

Teachers, students, and graduates are eagerly waiting to welcome Prof Yunus, who is visiting the campus for the first time since leaving his post as a professor in 1989. He will deliver the convocation speech and receive an honorary DLitt degree.

"We are eagerly waiting to welcome the honourable Chief Adviser to our campus," said Sakib Ahmed, a student at CU's Institute of Education and Research.

Prof Yunus joined CU's Economics Department as an associate professor in 1972, later serving as its chair. He became a full professor in 1975 and remained at CU until 1989.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his groundbreaking work with Grameen Bank in poverty alleviation through microfinance.

In recognition of his contributions, the Social Science Faculty building has been named Dr Muhammad Yunus Bhaban, as decided in CU's 434th syndicate meeting, said CU Registrar Prof Saiful Islam.

This year's convocation is the largest in the country, with around 23,000 graduates registered, according to CU Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Kamal Uddin.

The central playground has been prepared as the main venue, and the long-unused suspension bridge has been refurbished. The campus is adorned in a festive spirit.

To mark Prof Yunus's first visit to Chattogram as Chief Adviser, Bangladesh Railway will lay the foundation stone for a rail-road bridge over the Karnaphuli River at Kalurghat. The event will be held at the Chattogram Circuit House between 11:45am and 1:15pm, said Fahmun Nabi, assistant commissioner and staff officer to the Deputy Commissioner.

Later, Yunus will visit his ancestral home at Bathua village, Hathazari, to offer prayers at his parents' graves and meet locals.