Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to make an official visit to the United Kingdom from June 9 to 13, shortly after Eid-ul-Azha, with a primary focus on strengthening bilateral relations and pursuing the recovery of funds laundered abroad, particularly to the UK.
The visit aims to deepen cooperation between Dhaka and London in trade, investment, and economic development. According to a senior government official, preparations are underway, and the agenda is being finalized through active diplomatic coordination.
Prof Yunus is expected to hold meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III. A central focus will be advocating for the return of illicitly transferred assets, allegedly laundered during previous administrations. Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur confirmed that the Chief Adviser will present a strong case, highlighting estimates that around $16 billion was siphoned out of the country annually under the former government.
This effort builds on earlier discussions between Prof Yunus and the British High Commissioner in Dhaka, where cooperation was sought to trace and recover stolen assets linked to the previous regime.
A high-level delegation, including senior officials from Bangladesh Bank and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), will accompany the Chief Adviser. They will engage in technical talks with UK authorities on asset repatriation mechanisms.
The UK trip follows recent diplomatic outreach by Prof Yunus in China and comes ahead of a planned visit to Japan later this month, reflecting Bangladesh’s renewed international engagement and its commitment to economic accountability and justice.
