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London, June 12, 2025: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declined a request to meet with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, according to a report by the Financial Times. Dr. Yunus, who is currently in London to seek support for recovering funds allegedly siphoned abroad during the tenure of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, expressed disappointment but remains optimistic about UK’s support.
Dr. Yunus told the Financial Times that the UK has a moral obligation to assist Bangladesh in tracing stolen funds, a significant portion of which is believed to be in the UK. He noted that while no direct conversation has taken place with Starmer, he believes the UK Prime Minister will support Bangladesh’s efforts. However, Starmer’s office has confirmed he has no plans to meet Yunus and has declined to comment further.
The report also highlighted ongoing efforts by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), which has issued a “freezing order” on multiple UK-based assets owned by Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, a former Bangladeshi Land Minister and close associate of Sheikh Hasina. This action, part of a civil investigation, was taken following a legal request from Bangladesh, where Chowdhury faces money laundering allegations.
Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Dr. Yunus, clarified that Starmer is currently in Canada, as confirmed by a British MP. Efforts are underway to coordinate a potential meeting. Meanwhile, Dr. Yunus is set to receive the “Harmony Award 2025” from King Charles III at St. James’s Palace on June 12 for his lifelong contributions to peace, sustainable development, and social cohesion.
AI/MR
