Yunus in TIME’s 100 most influential people of 2025
Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has been named among Time magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2025, following his pivotal role in steering Bangladesh toward democracy in the aftermath of last year’s student-led uprising.
The list, published by the New York-based weekly on Wednesday,
In a tribute featured in Time, former US secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton praised the Nobel Peace Prize laureate for once again stepping into leadership during a critical moment in the nation’s history.
“After a student-led uprising toppled Bangladesh’s authoritarian prime minister last year, a known leader stepped up to guide the nation toward democracy: Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus,” she wrote.
The article highlighted Yunus’ pioneering work with Grameen Bank, which provided microloans to impoverished communities, especially women.
“Decades earlier, Yunus established the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh to empower the most marginalized communities through small loans, helping millions 97 percent of them women build businesses, sustain their families, and reclaim their dignity,” Clinton said.
Hillary Clinton also recalled their personal connection and Yunus’ global impact.
“I first met Yunus when he traveled to Arkansas to help then governor Bill Clinton and me set up similar programs in the US since then, wherever I’ve traveled in the world, I have witnessed the extraordinary impact of his work-lives transformed, communities lifted, and hope reborn,” she said.
Yunus is now recognised for his current efforts to rebuild democratic institutions and protect civil liberties in Bangladesh.
The Time 100 list honours influential figures worldwide for their impact and leadership.
In an article on how the individuals were chosen for the list, TIME wrote, “The The 2025 TIME100, in partnership with our Official Timekeeper Rolex, will be our biggest yet, including a daylong summit with interviews with world leaders, and our annual gala, which will be broadcast on May 4 on ABC in the US and stream around the world on Hulu.
This year, as we continue to develop TIME’s signature leadership platform, we’ll introduce two new TIME100 franchises: one focused on philanthropy and the other on digital creators.”