TDS Desk:

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus returned to his former duties today (22 February), after an 18-month tenure as the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government.

The 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner was greeted with a warm reception by his longtime colleagues upon his arrival at the Yunus Centre, located at Telecom Bhaban in the city’s Mirpur area.

The atmosphere was one of celebration as staff welcomed back the pioneer of social business to his professional base.

Yunus, who moved into state residence during his leadership of the interim government, also plans to return to his private residence in Gulshan, Dhaka, by the end of this month. Sources close to him said on 20 February that he will move back to his private residence in Gulshan once minor renovation work there is completed.

The former chief adviser is scheduled to vacate the State Guest House Jamuna. As of 20 February, police officials said Yunus was still staying at Jamuna temporarily but will leave within about a week.

According to a BBC Bangla report, Yunus will remain in Bangladesh for now and plans to resume activities at the Yunus Centre from next week.

He will focus on his “Three Zero” initiative, promoting zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions.

He is scheduled to travel to Japan in the third week of March at the invitation of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation for a five-day programme.

Yunus will deliver lectures, attend meetings, and discuss collaborations, and is expected to return to Bangladesh after the visit.

The transition marks a significant moment as the economist resumes his global advocacy for poverty alleviation and social business after eighteen months of leading the nation through a transitional period after the July Uprising, which ousted the previous Awami League regime.