Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested the European Union on Wednesday to nominate Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus as the president of the World Bank.

She made the request when visiting member of EU Parliament Jean Lambert called on the PM at her office.

According to meeting sources, Hasina said Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus is respected all over the world for his outstanding contribution to alleviating poverty through microcredit activities.

She said Prof Yunus’ experience would be a valuable asset for the WB to expand its activities to different countries of the world.

The premier said the EU could persuade the concerned authorities to make Prof Yunus as the WB president for the welfare of the world.

She said the Nobel Laureate has vast experience to run big institutions like Grameen Bank and other organisations having excellent reputations in the world.

The WB is planning to appoint a new president by the time of the annual spring meetings in April.

Incumbent WB chief Robert Zoellick said Wednesday he would not seek a second five-year term and planned to step down by the end of June.

The WB said the selection process will be "merit-based and transparent" with all the executive directors able to nominate and consider all candidates. Nominations must be received by March 23.

The board will then draw a shortlist of prospects for a formal interview process.