Bangladesh Nobel winner launches political party

DHAKA, Feb 22 (Reuters) Bangladesh's Nobel peace prize winner Muhammad Yunus today formally launched his ''Citizens' Power'' party, confirming his plans to join active politics.

''Today I formally announce my party Nagarik Shakti (citizens' power),'' Yunus told reporters before leaving for Abu Dhabi on a four-day visit. ''The core slogan of my party will be 'Bangladesh go forward','' he said.

Yunus won the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for his micro-finance scheme that earned him the nickname ''banker to the poor''.

Yunus said his party would contest the next parliamentary election, the date for which has yet to be set after being postponed from last month.

Yunus has said he felt compelled to join politics because most of Bangladesh's current politicians were corrupt.

His remarks sparked angry comments from politicians, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League and leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is headed by the most recent prime minister, Begum Khaleda Zia.

Bangladeshis from all walks of life greeted Yunus's Nobel prize with joy and national pride, but analysts say it is not clear he can translate his popularity into political power.

The election, originally set for Jan. 22, was postponed and a state of emergency was declared last month in the wake of nationwide violence between rival political parties, in which 45 people were killed and hundreds were injured.

Bangladesh has been under a state of emergency since Jan. 11.

REUTERS BDP PM1951