Professor Yunus to visit the UK from June 10 to 13

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is set to depart Dhaka for London on Monday evening for a four-day official visit to the United Kingdom, scheduled from June 10 to 13. The visit aims to renew and deepen bilateral relations between the two countries, with a particular focus on enhancing economic cooperation, trade, and investment, according to UNB.

Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique confirmed that Professor Yunus will leave Dhaka on June 9 and return on June 14.

“This is a highly significant visit,” Siddique said, highlighting planned meetings with His Majesty King Charles III, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other high-level dignitaries.

He noted that Bangladesh and the UK share a longstanding and multifaceted relationship, and the visit is expected to play a key role in reinforcing these ties.

A major highlight of the trip will be the formal presentation of the ‘Harmony Award 2025’ to Professor Yunus by King Charles III, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to peace, sustainability, and harmony between people and the planet. The award ceremony will take place on June 12 at St James’s Palace in London. The previous recipient was former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2024.

During his stay, Professor Yunus is also scheduled to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, senior government ministers, prominent political leaders, and influential figures in the UK’s business and policy circles.

The visit is particularly significant, Siddique noted, as the UK, being a prominent advocate for democracy, is keen to support democratic values and good governance in developing nations.

The visit will provide an opportunity to highlight Bangladesh’s ongoing reform initiatives, democratic transition, and the caretaker government’s commitment to governance and accountability.

“As a Nobel laureate and a globally respected personality, Professor Yunus carries a positive global image. His visit will help elevate Bangladesh’s international standing,” the Acting Foreign Secretary added.

The agenda will also include discussions on global and regional challenges, particularly climate change, sustainable development, the Rohingya refugee crisis, and migration.

Additionally, Bangladesh will seek to benefit from British expertise and resources in support of its national development goals.

Professor Yunus is also expected to meet with the Secretaries-General of the Commonwealth and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reflecting Bangladesh’s broader diplomatic outreach.

As part of his public diplomacy efforts, the Chief Adviser will deliver a keynote speech at Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) on June 11. His address will focus on Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress, democratic evolution, and long-term vision.

Another key item on the agenda is the recovery of laundered funds and assets stashed abroad.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur recently told the media that Professor Yunus will raise the issue with UK authorities, in line with efforts to reclaim stolen national wealth. The government estimates that around US$16 billion was siphoned out of the country annually under the previous administration.

The Chief Adviser has already requested cooperation from the UK government through its High Commissioner in Dhaka to trace and recover assets allegedly laundered to Britain by individuals linked to the former Sheikh Hasina-led regime.