A role model for troubled states

In announcing his intention to float a new political party, Bangladesh's "banker to the poor" has raised expectations he will offer a much needed alternative to the divisive politics that has bedevilled his South Asian nation. Ending months of speculation on a possible political role, Nobel laureate Mohammad Younus sent an open letter to his fellow citizens seeking their support.

A pioneer in micro-credit lending, he and his Grameen Bank empowered and enriched the lives of millions of Bangladeshis. But more than goodwill, this economist has an impeccable record in public life. He has also maintained a distance from the two main political leaders - both women - whose pointless rivalry stood in the way of good governance and development.

Endemic violence in the run-up to parliamentary elections led to polls being called off indefinitely. With the new caretaker administrator under the benign eye of the military, detaining dozens of political activists including several former ministers accused of corruption, Younus, apolitical and with a record as a clean administrator, may well be the breath of fresh air that Bangladesh needs.

The people will be the ultimate arbiter of his destiny, but he is a role model nevertheless for other troubled states in the region.