Born on 27 September 1936 in Chittagong, Bangladesh, Mohammad Yunus earned a law degree from the University of Dhaka before turning his attention to social work. In 1976, he founded the Grameen Bank, pioneering the concept of microcredit and providing unsecured loans to the rural poor, especially women. Yunus’s model of small, interest‑free loans revolutionized poverty alleviation, enabling millions to start businesses, improve their homes, and achieve financial independence.
Yunus’s groundbreaking work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, making him the first Bangladeshi and the first Muslim to receive this honor. Beyond Bangladesh, his microfinance model has been replicated worldwide, influencing global development policies. As a leading economist and social entrepreneur, Yunus remains a central figure in discussions on inclusive growth, financial literacy, and sustainable development.