UK Prime Minister Declines Meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly declined a request to meet with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who is currently in London on a four-day official visit, according to the Financial Times. Yunus’s visit is aimed at rallying international support for efforts to recover billions of dollars allegedly siphoned off by the former regime in Bangladesh.

In an interview with the British daily, Yunus stated that the UK has a “moral obligation” to assist in tracking down funds that were, in his words, “stolen” by the Awami League-led government, much of which is believed to be held in the UK. Despite these appeals, he acknowledged that Prime Minister Starmer had not agreed to meet him during the visit.

Explaining the broader purpose of his trip, Yunus said his goal was to generate more enthusiastic support from the UK, particularly in helping his interim administration pursue financial accountability and asset recovery. His efforts come as part of a wider strategy to stabilize governance in Bangladesh following recent political upheaval.

As part of his visit, Yunus is also expected to meet with the acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, on Friday, according to a report by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). The meeting is seen as potentially significant, given Rahman's role in the opposition and expectations of his return to active politics ahead of the upcoming elections.