Upon his arrival at the complex, senior members of Grameen, including the Managing Director of Grameen Telecom Trust escorted Professor Yunus to the reception area. Hundreds of employees were gathered to express their joy.

Professor Yunus commenced his address to the crowd by expressing deepest condolence for the victims of the building collapse in Savar and then observed a minute of silence with hundreds present at the reception. This was followed by recitation from the Holy Quran. Professor Yunus then went on to explain the background of the Congressional Gold medal and shared various experiences from the ceremony to everyone gathered there. The crowd burst in to frequent cheers upon knowing that Professor Yunus was the first Muslim to have been bestowed this honor and only the seventh person in history to have received the gold medal in addition to the Nobel Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He joins the elite group that includes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Elie Wiesel, Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, Norman Borlaug and Mother Teresa.

Professor Yunus mentioned that he accepted this honor on behalf of the entire nation. He also congratulated all the members of Grameen Bank and other Grameen entities for earning this prestige by working tirelessly to promote the concept of micro finance and social business for the last three decades. Professor Yunus said that this award is very crucial for the nation as it highlights the achievement of Bangladeshis to the entire world. Once again he expressed his deep sorrow over the unfolding tragedy caused by the building collapse in Sarvar and that everyone must work together to correct the flaws in the system to prevent any such.