A report from the UK's Financial Times claims that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to meet with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's interim government.
According to the Financial Times report, Muhammad Yunus is currently visiting the UK, where he is seeking support to recover billions of dollars allegedly laundered during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Dr. Yunus told the British media that the UK should "morally" help his government locate the money "stolen" during the Awami League-led government's time. He alleges that most of this money is currently in the UK.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not yet agreed to a meeting with him, saying, "I have not had any direct conversation with him." However, the head of Bangladesh's interim government also remarked that he has "no doubt" the British Prime Minister will support Bangladesh's efforts.
The Financial Times report stated that UK government officials confirmed there are no plans for Keir Starmer to meet with Dr. Yunus. However, they declined to comment further on the matter.
Quoting Yunus, the Financial Times report further said that the UK government is already assisting in tracing Bangladesh's laundered money.
Dr. Yunus stated that the purpose of his UK visit was to obtain "more stimulating support" from Britain.
The Financial Times report noted that Nobel Peace Prize laureate and head of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, is on a crucial mission seeking international assistance.
He claims that a large amount of money was illegally laundered from Bangladesh during the previous government's term and he aims to recover it.
The Financial Times report did not specify the reason for Starmer's refusal to meet with Yunus.
However, it stated that Muhammad Yunus's visit to the UK is significant as it indicates his government's anti-corruption stance and its commitment to combating illegal financial flows.
Recovering the lost billions would significantly benefit Bangladesh's economy and also increase public trust in the new leadership.
