Yunus heads to UK for five-day state visit

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has left for the United Kingdom on a five-day official visit.

The Emirates flight carrying the interim prime minister and his delegation departed Shahjalal International Airport at 7:30pm on Monday, according to his office.

He is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on Jun 14.

Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique outlined the visit itinerary at a press conference on Jun 4.

He said Yunus will hold a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the visit.

The chief advisor is also expected to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, several senior ministers, political leaders, and top policymakers.

Beyond bilateral talks, Yunus will speak at a special event at London’s Chatham House, also known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs on Jun 11, where he will share his views on Bangladesh’s current realities, future prospects, and challenges.

According to Ruhul, King Charles III nominated Yunus for this year’s prestigious Harmony Award in recognition of his remarkable efforts to build a peaceful, harmonious and sustainable world by promoting balanced coexistence between people, nature and the environment, and advancing the lives of marginalised communities.

“The award will be conferred at a formal ceremony at St James’s Palace in London on the 12th of June,” he said.

Established in 1990, The King’s Foundation, a UK-based charity founded by Charles, then Prince of Wales, bestows the prestigious award annually on individuals with exemplary achievements in sustainable development and humanitarian causes.

Former UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon received the award in 2024.

The acting foreign secretary said The King's Foundation organised a special dinner on the evening of Jun 11, to mark its 35th anniversary. Yunus is also expected to attend the dinner.

During the trip, he will also hold courtesy meetings with the secretaries-general of the Commonwealth and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

His Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Yunus is accompanied by Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Abdul Momen on the visit.

The Chief Advisor's Office said the visit will focus on strengthening UK support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition.

Efforts to recover laundered funds will also be high on the agenda.