1) First of all, all of us are aware of the political turmoil that has been going on for decades. I do not want to go to the exact number of years to avoid any further political debates. We have given the opportunities to the two major parties on the last three elections and unfortunately both the parties have failed miserably. Also, there were lost opportunities in a lot of areas and if we think about the rate in which our neighbouring countries have been making progress, we can get depressed very easily!

1) Dr. Yunus is a very successful economist and a business and social leader as well. He can have a much better understanding and intellectual ability to explore opportunities for our country and try to make improvements.

2) There is no question about Dr. Yunus' education, integrity, experience and his ability. Even though he lacks experience in politics, he has a proven track record of being a successful business and social leader.

3) Third, we need to change our messy political culture and practices. The present and previous ruling parties have established a paradise of corruption and the whole nation literally became hostage. During the 50s and 60s, the bright and smart people used to come to politics. In recent days, if we take an account of the current elected members of our parliament, we will have a hard time finding some honest people who deserve some respect. If Dr. Yunus can bring some honest people in his party, he can play a big role to change this ill political culture and attract young and talented individuals.

4) Finally, according to a TV report, more than 98% of the people support the current caretaker government. However, while everyone has finally got some space to breathe, no one is sure what is going to happen after the election is over. We, the people, have seen true faces of our political leaders and are tired of listening to them. At this point of time, I think Dr. Yunus has made a bold and timely decision and should be supported by the people. A politician is not an idol and he has to take decisions according to his political beliefs and ideology, which may or may not be envisioned as the ideal solution.

Dr. Yunus and his political party will have a long way to go and will face lot of obstacles. However, with our mounting level of debt and level of corruption, we cannot expect that any leader or any party can come and change the situation overnight.

At the end of the day, we can at least think of a leader who we can trust. What option do we have besides hoping?

This refers to " Yunus getting people's views on his plan" (The Daily Star February 13, 2007) where Prof. Yunus has given a clarion call, for cooperation in his proposed endeavour, to all who wish well for the excellent political health of Bangladesh.

As Prof. Yunus, being a Noble laureate, is an international celebrity with unimpeachable integrity hence people from other counties will also like to join this political party under such competent control and guidance as of Yunus, by coming to Bangladesh, for the simple reason that this political experiment, especially for the uplift of the poor will work as a model for other developing countries also including my own country India.

Hence, Yunus will do well if he makes his policy public about foreign participation in his political party and facilitates visa requirements for such foreigner party members.

This will be the first and genuine step by any political party towards globalisation, which Yunus espouses so much.
Hem Raj Jain , New Delhi, India

Thanks for personally writing a letter and e-mailing it to me. I received it on 2/11/2007. You want to know my personal opinion about joining politics and forming a political party. I am a freedom fighter, but for the last 35 years we are looking for political freedom, economic relief and honesty from the government, but we know these are hard to find. Our future is dark. So people are looking for ways to get out of this dirty politics. Our expectation is to change the present political culture and politics.

How is it possible? It will be hard and critical in Bangladesh.

We will bring some vital issues for your attention:

We are expatriates living abroad. Our appeal is that please reserve 10 percent of the seats for the expatriates in our parliament. (2) Restore Biman's Dhaka-New York flight.
Abul Hashem Bulbul, General Secretary, Feni Zilla (Bangladesh) Association, USA

You have already placed yourself in history as the 1st Noble Prize winner from Bangladesh. People of Bangladesh have accepted you as their pride. You gave us a good name. We feel proud of you. You definitely can join in politics, if you want to. But I have concerns about the technique, means and the timing you chose to be in politics. In response to your recent open letter to people of Bangladesh, I have following questions to you:

1. In your entire life before earning Noble Prize, we never heard about your interest in politics. How a person who wants to do good for the nation was silent so long? Does that mean our country was going in the correct direction until recently?

2. Most importantly, we do not know your formula or layout of a "Dream Bangladesh". How can we give opinion when we do not know how you will lead us and achieve for us a "Dream Bangladesh"? You didn't give us a guideline as to how you will eradicate our poverty, unemployment and solve all other problems.

3. You recently said all political leaders are corrupt. I would like to know your evaluation of Sk. Mujib who spent 15 years of his life in prison and gave us freedom. I would like to know your opinion about Moulana Bhasani who always stood for the oppressed people. I would also like to know your opinion on army generals turned politicians --General Zia and Ershad. I need to know your evaluation before I can give my opinion about you in politics.

4. You recently said, we have to come out of old political trend and need a new party. Do you mean there will be only one party i.e. only your party in this country and no AL, BNP, JP, LDP, Jamaat and others?

5. We do not know your political feelings, as you were not involved in any of our major national political events; like our language movement and war of independence.

6. Most amazingly, during your recent Delhi visit, you said you do not want to be president, as president has no power. At least we know from your statement that you want power. Is your politics for achieving power or for welfare of people? Gandhi and Moulana Bhasani achieved a lot in politics for people without going to power. Why cannot you be like them?
Monsur Ibrahim, Florida, USA

I am an expatriate Bangladeshi doctor living in UK & working for the NHS.

Thank you for raising the conscience of the nation and helping to bring about the current changes. There is no doubt that there is urgent need for reform in many sectors, institutions, politics, business, administration and judiciary & even in the practice of medicine.

Your intention to join politics is supportable provided you do not directly involve yourself in the running of the country. You should remain the conscience of the nation, the voice for the poor & voiceless, for decency & fairness, for progressive ideas & views. Because if you directly get involved, your reputation will be tarnished, your failures will reduce your effectiveness. We have got a good chance through you. Our nation is fortunate to have this chance, so please do not take any wrong step. Please consider every option. Bangladesh is full of talented, honest & dedicated people. They need to be encouraged to join politics and run the affairs of the country. I shall be very willing to join you and them in helping our country to become a decent, progressive country where we can all live together in harmony and peace.
Dr Musharraf Hussain, Dhaka