Wednesday, 04 June 2025 , 09:00 AM
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to Bangladesh's interim government, is set to travel to the United Kingdom to receive the King Charles Harmony Award-2025.
During his visit, he is confirmed by multiple government officials to meet with King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Dr. Yunus is scheduled to depart Dhaka for London on June 9. On that day, he will be presented with the King Charles Harmony Award-2025 at an event organized by the British Royal Family.
His meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace in London could take place next week, possibly on Tuesday or Wednesday.
During this time, the Chief Advisor will reportedly seek support for the interim government on various issues, including reforms, the Rohingya crisis, and money laundering.
When asked about the visit, responsible government officials stated that Dr. Yunus's trip to London to receive the award is "almost finalized."
According to initial plans, the head of government is expected to arrive in London on the evening of June 10 and return to Bangladesh on June 13.
His courtesy meeting with King Charles III is slated for the third day of his visit, which is also the award ceremony day.
While the courtesy meeting with the UK Prime Minister is still in progress and not yet finalized, officials remain optimistic.
Diplomatic sources in London indicate a potential meeting between the Chief Advisor and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday or Thursday of next week.
Additionally, Dr. Yunus is expected to meet with several other UK ministers, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy. However, these programs are yet to be finalized.
Both countries, according to these sources, will prioritize various important issues if discussions with the head of government take place.
Key Discussion Points
Diplomatic sources further suggest that reforms in Bangladesh are a crucial issue in the current context. The UK has consistently supported Bangladesh's interim government since it took office.
However, political parties have recently been pressuring the government over the election issue. The interim government, though, is emphasizing reforms.
The Chief Advisor may brief them on these matters during his visit. All parties are giving importance to reforms, and the UK also desires elections in Bangladesh to take place through a reform process, with their continued support.
Furthermore, the UK is keen to work closely with Bangladesh on issues of good governance and human rights.
In February, UK Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders visited Dhaka and discussed justice, accountability, freedom of religion or belief, media freedom, gender equality, and labor rights with senior Bangladeshi officials.
Discussions regarding establishing the rule of law and ensuring accountability are expected from the UK side, and Bangladesh is prepared to clarify its position on these matters.
Economic and Rohingya Cooperation
The UK is also one of Bangladesh's most significant trade and investment partners. Commercial and investment relations between the two countries are continuously growing in sectors such as the readymade garment industry, renewable energy, education, aviation, infrastructure, technology, and services.
Garments and textiles are Bangladesh's primary export products to the UK, along with shrimp, bicycles, and handicrafts. The UK invests in Bangladesh's industrial, infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology sectors.
Conversely, Bangladesh imports essential goods from the UK, including iron and scrap, machinery, generators, and aircraft.
Therefore, Dhaka will be interested in exploring ways to further increase commercial relations between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh continues discussions with the UK regarding the repatriation of laundered money. In March, the Bangladeshi government contacted British authorities to impose financial and travel sanctions.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur also met with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group in London to take swift action against Bangladeshi business groups.
Since then, efforts have been made to persuade the British government to impose sanctions on Bangladeshi money launderers, an issue that will likely be given importance in discussions by both sides.
Moreover, the UK stands by Bangladesh in resolving the crisis involving millions of Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar. They are working to ensure the safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas and are providing humanitarian assistance through the United Nations and other international organizations.
Previous UK Engagement
It's worth noting that in 2018, then-UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson visited the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar and also traveled to Myanmar.
At that time, he pledged to ensure the safety and human rights of the Rohingyas.
Following this, the UK continues to exert diplomatic pressure through the United Nations to ensure citizenship and security for the Rohingyas in Myanmar.