In a poignant and emotionally charged ceremony, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus bid farewell to his longtime colleague and friend, economist Dr. M. A. Hadi, with a powerful vow to continue their shared mission. The funeral, held at the Azad Mosque in Dhaka's Gulshan area on Thursday, saw Yunus promise to carry forward the ideals they had championed together for decades.
A Solemn Farewell and a Firm Promise
Addressing the gathering of mourners, Professor Yunus spoke directly to his departed friend. "You will remain with us for ages. We will try to move forward with your ideals," he declared, his voice resonating with determination amidst grief. He emphasized that Hadi was not just a colleague but a vital pillar in their collective struggle against poverty.
Dr. M. A. Hadi, who served as the Managing Director of Grameen Telecom and was a senior figure at the Yunus Centre, passed away on Wednesday. He was 73. His death has created a significant void in the network of organizations founded by Yunus, which are dedicated to social business and microfinance.
The Pillar of Grameen and a Shared Vision
Yunus highlighted Dr. Hadi's indispensable role, stating that his colleague had been a foundational part of their work since the inception of Grameen Bank. "He was with us from the beginning of Grameen Bank. He was involved in every activity of mine," Yunus recounted, painting a picture of a partnership that spanned the entire journey of their groundbreaking initiatives.
The economist's commitment extended far beyond professional duties. Yunus noted that Hadi was deeply immersed in the philosophical and practical execution of their goal to create a poverty-free world. His leadership at Grameen Telecom, a key organization within the Grameen family, was instrumental in leveraging technology for social good.
Carrying the Torch Forward
The funeral service, held after a Johor Namaz-e-Janaza, was more than a moment of mourning; it was a public recommitment to a cause. Yunus framed their ongoing work as the truest way to honor Hadi's memory. The pledge to "move forward with your ideals" signals a steadfast continuation of their projects in microfinance, social business, and sustainable development.
This moment underscores the personal bonds that fuel large-scale social movements. For Yunus, Hadi was both a trusted executive and a fellow believer in the possibility of eradicating poverty through innovative economic models.
The loss of Dr. M. A. Hadi marks the end of an era for the Grameen organizations. However, Muhammad Yunus's solemn vow at the funeral ensures that the mission they built together will persist. As the community mourns a key architect of their efforts, the commitment to realize a poverty-free world—the ideal they both shared—becomes his lasting legacy and a guiding light for the path ahead.
