The influential US news magazine TIME has released its list of the 100 most influential people in the world for 2025. Bangladesh's Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government, has been included in this prestigious list. He features in the 'Leaders' category.
Also on the same list are notable figures such as United States President Donald Trump, United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum, and the world's richest person, Elon Musk.
Regarding Dr. Yunus's inclusion in the list of influential individuals, former US First Lady and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton told TIME magazine that following a student-led uprising last year that ousted Bangladesh's dictatorial Prime Minister, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, a familiar leader, stepped forward to guide the country towards democracy.
"Decades ago, Yunus founded Grameen Bank in Bangladesh to empower marginalized communities through microcredit, which helped hundreds of thousands of people start their own businesses, support their families, and restore their dignity. Ninety-seven percent of those who have benefited from this microcredit are women."
Hillary Clinton then reminisced about her first meeting and subsequent work with Dr. Yunus. "I first met Dr. Yunus when he came to Arkansas to help then-Governor Bill Clinton (former President) and me launch a program similar to his microcredit initiative. Since then, wherever I have gone in the world, I have seen the extraordinary impact of his work."
She further stated, "Now, Dr. Yunus has once again answered the call of his country. He is leading Bangladesh to break free from the shadow of oppression, restore human rights, demand accountability, and lay the foundation for a just and free society."
Sheikh Hasina fled to Delhi on August 5th following mass protests, ending a long period of autocratic rule in Bangladesh. Subsequently, on August 8th, Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the Chief Advisor of the interim government, along with 13 other advisors out of the total 16. President Md. Shahabuddin administered their oath of office at the Bangabhaban Darbar Hall.
After taking the oath, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government, signed the oath document.
