Yunus to embark on UK tour from June 10
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is set to embark on a four-day official visit to the United Kingdom from June 10 to June 13, aimed at reinvigorating bilateral ties and deepening cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, investment, and anti-corruption efforts.
He will be accompanied by key members of the interim government, including Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr Abdul Momen.
The visit comes amid growing diplomatic engagement between Dhaka and London, with both sides seeking to strengthen collaboration on shared priorities.
At a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road on Wednesday (June 4), Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed the details of the trip.
He said that British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke met with the Chief Adviser earlier in the day to discuss preparations for the visit, which includes a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a meeting with King Charles III, and discussions on economic recovery and financial transparency.
“Recovery of illegally smuggled money and assets abroad will also be discussed,” he added.
This visit is expected to place strong emphasis on recovering illicit funds allegedly laundered to the UK during the previous regime.
According to government estimates, up to $16 billion was siphoned out annually under the former administration. Prof Yunus has already sought British support in tracing and repatriating these funds, raising the issue through the UK envoy in Dhaka.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur recently noted that the Chief Adviser would personally advocate for asset recovery during his meetings in London.
“The Chief Adviser will put in his efforts to recover stolen money and assets abroad as he is going to London,” he told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy.
Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, speaking at a separate media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the visit as “very important” in the context of Bangladesh-UK relations.
“The relationship between Bangladesh and the UK is very deep and diverse,” he said.
“This visit will play an important role in further strengthening those ties.”
Yunus is scheduled to depart Dhaka for London on June 9 and will return home on June 14 after completing engagements.
During the visit, he will meet King Charles III, who is set to present him with the prestigious ‘Harmony Award 2025’, recognising his long-standing contributions to peace, development, and social cohesion.
The Chief Adviser will hold bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focusing on: Enhancing trade and investment, promoting joint economic initiatives, and addressing cross-border corruption and illicit financial flows.
He will also meet with other high-level officials and attend events organised around international development and diaspora engagement.
When asked whether Yunus would meet BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, who resides in London, the Acting Foreign Secretary said he had no information about such a meeting and referred journalists to the published schedule.
The delegation is expected to engage with UK authorities on legal frameworks for asset tracing, financial intelligence sharing, and extradition protocols, especially concerning individuals linked to the previous government.