Yunus congratulates Lula on re-election as Brazil’s president, invites him to Bangladesh

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election as President of Brazil and renewed his invitation to visit Bangladesh.

In a statement issued by the Yunus Centre on Monday, Yunus extended his warm congratulations to Lula, describing his fourth term as a remarkable reflection of the trust the Brazilian people have placed in him.

“I remember our last meeting in Rome at the World Food Forum. Our talks on social business, universal healthcare and social inclusion were among the most memorable moments of that visit,” Yunus said.

He said Lula's lifelong commitment to the poor and to building a fairer society has inspired many people around the world, including in Bangladesh.

Recalling Lula's earlier expression of interest in visiting Bangladesh, Yunus renewed his invitation, saying the people of Bangladesh would welcome him warmly.

He also wished Lula good health, strength and success in the years ahead.

Lula secured a historic fourth term on Sunday, defeating Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, in a runoff election, according to the country's electoral court.

The 80-year-old leftist leader's victory came despite opinion polls suggesting a closely contested race and growing voter discontent over corruption scandals and rising prices.

Lula's victory marked another political comeback for the former metalworker and trade union leader, who was jailed from 2018 to 2019 on corruption charges that were later overturned. He returned to power by defeating Jair Bolsonaro in the 2022 election.