Honouring a Visionary Leader: Reflections on Bangladesh's Emerging Political Landscape.

Acknowledging the perspective Jo Kelly has shared, I am motivated to offer another.

The recent development of Professor Muhammad Yunus being invited to lead the interim government in Bangladesh, following the ousting of the Prime Minister, signifies a profound shift in the country's political landscape. This movement, predominantly driven by the youth, resonates with similar future-focused challenges in Egypt and Sudan, highlighting a growing trend demanding change and greater accountability from our leaders.

This moment is particularly poignant for me as I reflect on the memory of my co-founder, Farzeen Alam , who tragically passed away in Bangladesh two years ago at just 33. Recognised by the Commonwealth, across his nation, and by the United Nations, he chose social entrepreneurship as his leadership practice. He passionately pursued a mission of radical change and empowerment, especially for farmers—an identity he assumed most authentically and sought to reconstruct in Bangladesh.

“I am a proud farmer. An economist turned farmer,” he would often say.

Farzeen's dedication and vision continue to inspire many people. His legacy lives on through the ventures he led, the students he taught, and the networks of entrepreneurial leaders he supported.

While youth-led movements often begin with a wave of optimism and hope for a better future, history shows that sustaining positive momentum can be challenging. The experiences of Egypt and Sudan serve as cautionary tales, where initial victories were followed by periods of instability and disillusionment, creating conditions for conflict. One of the critical factors influencing these outcomes has been the role of global powers and their strategic interests. The support, quality of support, or lack thereof, from these actors, can significantly shape the trajectory of such movements, sometimes privileging short-term stability and realpolitik over the genuine aspirations of people and new qualities of growth.

In the context of Bangladesh, the involvement of a figure like Yunus, known globally for his contributions to social entrepreneurship and microfinance, could provide a unique opportunity to blend visionary leadership with widespread empowerment. However, it remains crucial to navigate the complex interplay of internal dynamics and external pressures carefully, where there are many actors with influence—corporates, investors, philanthropies, iNGOs, and consumers. It cannot just be Yunus, and the potential of young social entrepreneurs like Farzeen cannot be commoditised or taken for granted.

The youth of Bangladesh, much like their counterparts in other nations, seek tangible improvements in governance, economic opportunities, and social justice; and they want visceral engagement. The hundreds of students who would attend Farzeen's night classes didn't attend just this to improve their grades. They were immersed in a narrative about how they could apply what they learned to national development through entrepreneurship and innovation. For this movement to succeed, it will be essential to foster inclusive dialogue, ensure transparent processes, and build robust institutions that can withstand both internal and external challenges. We might expect international and influential actors to have their fingers on investing in these and enabling them to emerge, not just be seen shaking hands. Yunus has said in recent days that a passive attitude to this change, in India for example, is also unexpected - in fact, it hurts .

Ultimately, the success of this movement will hinge on its ability to maintain its foundational ideals while adapting to the pragmatic realities of governance and international relations. It is a delicate balance, and with thoughtful, trustworthy leadership, and genuine commitment to people's aspirations, there is hope for a positive and enduring transformation in Bangladesh. What we could see in Bangladesh is an actual intergenerational handover of leadership, a holistically entrepreneurial wave of growth, like nothing the West can currently offer.

When it comes to achieving equity and growing economies into sustainable states with nature, we are all developing countries.

The people of Bangladesh have invited a leader able to communicate not just what he has achieved. He is an orator, role model, and mentor for their stories yet untold. He set a high bar, and young Bangladeshi's demand no less. This is an invitation to change mindsets and challenge established narratives. We must meet eye to eye, not look down, in fact, dare to look up and further towards that high bar.

My friend reached far and lifted high. He never waited. He was relentless. So many of us loved sharing that journey with him in the lead.

May many more go on these journeys.

Joy Bangla!