Banking On The Poor - Bangladesh

April 1997
The Grameen Bank has saved the lives of hundreds of women. Its founder, Muhammad Yunus, believes it can end world poverty: "There is no reason why poverty should be here. This is a rich country - 120, million energetic, hardworking, intelligent people. They can change the world." Equipped with such a vision, Yunus set up a loaning bank for the poor. Fourteen years later, two million Bangladeshis have been able to start their own businesses. Aisha is one of Grameen's success stories. Dressed in a fuchsia pink sari, she chants with other Grameen borrowers: "unity, labour discipline". Originally so poor she couldn't provide food for her children, eight years later, she owns $4000 worth of weaving looms. She takes widow, Poribanu, to the bank building where she signs for a loan for $100. The bank believes women to be more credit worthy than men: they think long-term. Despite the finance minister's argument that money should go into infrastructure, the charismatic Yunus claims that this does not directly benefit the lives of the poor people. Poribanu remains convinced that she "god willing, can make further progress".

Produced by ABC Australia
Distributed by Journeyman Pictures

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[bengalboy2008]

Allah bless you Sir Yunus

[1stprince01]

Alhamdulilah, allah provides people like Sir Yunus to this world to make it better place for the poor. May allah provide more people like this and make our beautiful country rise on the map. Amin.

[lehong1963]

Is this Australia ? after PM Gillard has had her way ?

[srijit8227]

bangladesh is by means much better off than Pakisthan! Carry on bangladesh all  the best!!!:-)

[rambothan]

ECONOMICS!!

[nacholibre48]

@rahmans420 You have to understand why they charge such high interest. There is a high risk of default when you lend money to poor people.

[rahmans420]

Grameen bank very good concept BUT 20% very high interest for poor people, hope all the bank in bangladesh will bring down their interest rate for lending???

[AMMFMedia]

this world needs more people like Muhammad Yunus.

[09sadia]

khan die u paki

[inevitablehere]

Guys i dont understand Bangaldesh language. how about providing english subtitles?