Dubai: Non-resident Bangla-deshis (NRBs) from all walks of life, felt that the Nobel Prize was long overdue for Dr Mohammad Younus, champion of the poor.
"However, better late than never. I'm extremely happy for Dr Younus," said Rais Hassan Sarwar, vice consul of Bangladesh in Dubai. He said, the news will help the country overcome it's negative image.
"It will boost our image globally, as we have an image problem internationally. It also demonstrates the hidden potential of our entrepreneurs. However, I was surprised to learn that he was awarded Nobel Price for peace, not economics."
Speaking to Gulf News, a number of NRBs expressed their happiness and pride.
Iftekhar Ahmad, group general manager finance of Qatar-based Ali Bin Ali Group, said: "As a Bangladeshi, I'm happy and proud of Dr Younus. It's a true demonstration of what Bangladeshis can achieve internationally.
"It also proves that good things can come from poor places like Bangladesh. What we need is the political will and commitment of the politicians, if we want to come out of poverty. With great men like Dr Younus, we have many professionals and entrepreneurs who can take this country forward."
M. Yunus Miah, an NRB and Transport manager at Cemex, said: "It is a very good piece of news for Bangladesh and all Bangladeshis living abroad. Dr Younus has done a great job in eradicating poverty. However, I wasn't sure why he was awarded the Nobel Prize for peace, instead of economy."
Nabinur Rahman Khan, assistant vice-president of Mashreqbank, said: "As a Bangladeshi, I am extremely proud to have heard the news of Dr Younus and his Grameen Bank getting the 2006 Nobel Peace prize. The microcredit model conceived and practised by Dr Younus since the last three decades is a wholestic approach to address poverty in Bangladesh's rural areas.
"Determination, knowledge of the local problems and implementing the right solutions are the key factors behind the success of the microcredit model. The model is now being implemented by other countries with varying level of success."
Shibli Sadik, editor of monthly Sanglap, a publication for the UAE-based NRBs, said: "I know Dr Younus for a long time. I am very happy and proud to hear the news, it is a matter of great pride for Bangladesh and for Chittagong. I feel his recognition should have been for economics, although I don't see much of a difference here."
Gazi Shamsuddin, Senior Engineer- Electrical, at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) and former president of UAE-based Bangladesh Diploma Engineers' Association, said: "I feel really proud.
"Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world. I feel the microcredit system allows the poor people to earn money legally while keeping his dignity as a human being. When men or women are economically sound, peace of mind will automatically develop. In this sense I feel the Nobel Prize committee has reached to the grassroot of peace prize. If the entire poor world can develop the system for people to have food, shelter and education properly, the world will become peaceful."
Dr Younus is the first Bangladeshi to have won the Nobel Prize.
