ICESCO DG meets Chief Adviser

Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO), Dr Salim M. Al Malik, paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday.

During the meeting, Dr Al Malik expressed his deep admiration for Professor Yunus and his globally influential initiatives.

“I was a medical student about to graduate when I first heard about you and the Grameen Bank,” he recalled. “Your Three Zero theory was everywhere — from banking to sports to environmental discourse. It was truly inspiring.”

Dr Al Malik voiced strong support for the Chief Adviser’s reform agenda and the Interim Government’s broader vision for a transformed Bangladesh. “Since my arrival, I have met several advisers and learnt about your plans for national reform. You have my full support,” he affirmed.

He also sought permission to incorporate Professor Yunus’s Three Zero theory — Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Net Carbon Emissions — into ICESCO’s strategic framework for youth, education and environmental initiatives.

“We are here to formally seek your permission to adopt the Three Zero theory as part of our core strategy. Your vision aligns perfectly with our mission,” Dr Al Malik noted.

Highlighting ICESCO’s current programmes, he added, “We support countries in developing food waste management systems. Nations such as Brunei, Algeria and Nigeria have already benefited from entrepreneurship initiatives we helped convert into social business models.”

In response, Professor Yunus praised ICESCO’s efforts in education and sustainability and welcomed the prospect of future collaboration to empower youth and scale innovative social business solutions across member states.

Education Adviser Professor C. R. Abrar was also present at the meeting.