Dr Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser in Bangladesh’s interim government, on Tuesday introduced Mahfuz Alam, his special assistant, as the "brain" behind the country’s recent student-led movement and subsequent push to topple the Awami League regime, at an event in New York, US.
Nobel laureate Yunus was addressing the Clinton Global Initiative on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.
Speaking to global leaders alongside former US president Bill Clinton, Yunus shared stories of the previous government's violent actions against student protesters and highlighted how students had courageously stood against live bullets.
He then introduced three of his companions on the visit, including Mahfuz, to the audience as representatives of the movement for a new Bangladesh.
Dr Yunus praised Mahfuz for his leadership, calling him the "brain of the whole revolution," though Mahfuz humbly insisted that the movement had been a collective effort.
The chief adviser described the movement as a well-organized and disciplined uprising, with no identifiable leader to be singled out or arrested, which had made it more powerful.
He expressed his admiration for Mahfuz's commitment and courage, noting that young people worldwide could be inspired by his words.
Yunus encouraged the audience to support these young leaders in realizing their vision for a new Bangladesh, urging everyone to pray for their success.
The speech concluded with applause from the audience, including Bill Clinton.
