Hundreds of borrowers gathered at Natun Basta village at Singair to congratulate the Nobel laureate.

Talking to reporters, Prof Yunus hoped that poverty in the country will be reduced by 50 percent by 2015.

He called on all to come forward to alleviate poverty.

Now there is no time to talk about the appointment of the caretaker government, he said, adding that "We want a free and fair election in a festive mood."

During his stay there from 9:00am to 2:00pm, Prof Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank, talked to the borrowers and visited their houses.

He also visited some projects of the borrowers, including handicrafts and poultry farms, and expressed satisfaction with their work.