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Published : 05 Jun 2025, 02:06 AM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus’s upcoming visit to the United Kingdom is fuelling speculation in Dhaka’s political circles over a possible meeting with BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
The interim prime minister is scheduled to depart on Jun 9 and return on Jun 14, with official engagements planned from Jun 10 to 13.
While his itinerary includes several high-level meetings, no formal meeting with Tarique appears on the official agenda.
The prospect of a meeting between the two figures—who represent opposing positions in Bangladesh’s political transition—has nonetheless drawn attention, particularly in the context of stalled dialogue over the election roadmap.
The matter surfaced during a press briefing on Wednesday, when Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique was asked whether such a meeting was likely.
“We’ve already shared the chief advisor’s meeting schedule, nothing is being kept secret. As of now, I have no information on this matter,” he said.
However, a senior foreign ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not rule out the possibility.
“If Tarique or the BNP expresses interest, the ministry would be prepared to facilitate a meeting,” the official said.
Should it happen, the encounter, whether coincidental or deliberate, could carry significant political implications, as both figures remain central to shaping Bangladesh’s political future.
WHAT’S ON YUNUS’S UK SCHEDULE
Yunus is expected to meet King Charles III of the United Kingdom, a key symbolic figure in international diplomacy.
“An audience with the King is considered a distinguished diplomatic opportunity,” Ruhul said.
The chief advisor is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and several ministers, political leaders, and top policymakers.
On Jun 11, Yunus will speak at a special session at Chatham House in London, where he will share insights on Bangladesh’s current realities, future prospects, and key challenges.
He has been nominated for this year’s prestigious King Charles III Harmony Award, recognising his work in promoting harmony between people, nature and sustainable development.
The award ceremony is expected to take place at St James’s Palace on Jun 12, where King Charles is likely to present the honour.
Last year, the award was received by former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.
Yunus is also set to attend a special dinner hosted by The King’s Foundation on the evening of Jun 11 to mark the organisation’s 35th anniversary.
He will also hold courtesy meetings with the heads of the Commonwealth and the International Maritime Organisation during the visit.
FINANCIAL CRIME, REPATRIATION ALSO ON RADAR
Asked whether the return of laundered money from the UK will come up in talks, the acting foreign secretary said Bangladesh is actively pursuing cooperation with several countries.
“We are trying together to retrieve stolen assets. As part of that effort, we may raise the matter with the UK,” he added.
On possible extradition talks, Ruhul said the interim government's focus remains on asset recovery, rather than individuals.
“At this point, retrieving the money is more urgent than tracking the people involved. That’s where we’ve directed most of our efforts.”
As for whether Yunus’s trip is officially endorsed by Dhaka, Ruhul said: “We haven’t declared it an official visit. It’s the hosts who have done so. I’m not sure how it could then be called personal.”
Ahead of the tour, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke met Yunus in Dhaka on Wednesday.
According to a British High Commission statement, the meeting covered key areas of UK-Bangladesh cooperation, including trade, investment, climate action, and support for the Rohingya response.
“This visit will deepen the historic friendship between Bangladesh and the UK,” Ruhul said.
He added, “It will strengthen Bangladesh’s global position, expand bilateral economic ties, and play a crucial role in securing international support for the country’s democratic process.”
