Al-Azhar to offer fully-funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students

Ahmed Eltayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, announced on Tuesday that Al-Azhar University would offer new fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students. 

The head of one of the most prestigious Islamic institutions also expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s future under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

During a meeting at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Grand Imam extended an invitation to Professor Yunus to deliver a speech at the historic institution. 

"We are optimistic about Bangladesh’s future under your leadership. You are a man of wisdom," said Eltayeb, adding that the country is poised to achieve new heights following its ongoing transformation. "I salute you for adopting such a wise approach," he remarked.

Professor Yunus expressed his gratitude for the invitation and reciprocated by inviting the Grand Imam to visit Bangladesh and witness the profound changes brought about by the student-led mass uprising. 

During their conversation, Professor Yunus spoke about the uprising and the reform initiatives undertaken by the Interim Government. 

The Grand Imam voiced hope that Bangladesh would successfully carry out these reforms, praising Yunus for his leadership, his social services, and the pioneering role of Grameen Bank in microfinance and poverty alleviation.

Professor Yunus also expressed his thanks to Al-Azhar for its early support of Grameen Bank, recalling that in the 1980s, the top Sunni Islamic authority declared that the bank’s micro-lending interest model did not conflict with Islamic teachings.

As a gesture of goodwill, the Chief Adviser presented a copy of ‘The Art of Triumph’, a celebrated art book featuring wall murals and graffiti from the revolution, to the Grand Imam. 

Eltayeb praised the artistic talents of Bangladeshi students and also commended the Bangladeshi students currently studying at Al-Azhar University.