Dhaka, June 9 -- The Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, departed for London on Monday night to commence his four-day official trip to the United Kingdom, scheduled from June 10 through June 13.
Both nations are striving to revitalize their mutual relationship, placing greater emphasis on economic collaboration, commerce, and capital flows.
An Emirates Airlines plane transporting the Chief Advisor along with a few companions departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport heading towards London around 7:30 PM, as stated by the Chief Advisor’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder to UNB.
"The current Foreign Secretary, Ruhul Alam Siddique, emphasized that this visit holds great significance," he added, mentioning that Professor Yunus is scheduled to meet His Majesty King Charles III and engage in bilateral discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as participate in various high-level meetings.
"The connection between Bangladesh and the UK is both profound and multifaceted," he noted, highlighting that the visit would significantly contribute to bolstering their bilateral ties.
When he visits, King Charles III will officially present Professor Yunus with the distinguished 'Harmony Award 2025.' This accolade acknowledges his enduring dedication to fostering peace, environmental sustainability, and harmonious coexistence between individuals and nature.
Professor Yunus departs for his residence, concluding his visit to Japan.
The awards ceremony will be held at St James's Palace in London on June 12. In 2024, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon received this honor.
Professor Yunus is anticipated to have meetings with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, as well as various high-ranking ministers, prominent political leaders, and key individuals from the UK’s policy-making and business sectors.
The Acting Foreign Secretary stated that this visit holds special significance because the UK, acting as a prominent democratic country, places great emphasis on advancing democratic ideals and effective governance within developing nations.
He stated that the trip will offer a chance to highlight Bangladesh's continuing reforms, its path toward democracy, and the transitional administration's dedication to effective governance.
Most importantly," he remarked, "given his status as a Nobel laureate and an internationally esteemed individual, the Chief Adviser enjoys a distinctive and favorable reputation worldwide. The United Kingdom hosting such a prominent figure as himself would significantly strengthen Bangladesh’s standing on the global stage.
The discussions during the visit will similarly tackle various topics including both global and regional concerns, specifically emphasizing climate change, sustainable growth, the Rohingya emergency, as well as migration matters.
A key part of the plan involves utilizing British knowledge and assets to aid Bangladesh’s objectives for nationwide progress.
Professor Yunus is likewise set to participate in courtesy visits with the Secretary-Generals of the Commonwealth and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These interactions will strengthen Bangladesh’s broader international connections.
As part of his efforts in public diplomacy, the Chief Adviser will give a keynote speech at Chatham House - the Royal Institute of International Affairs - on June 11.
He plans to discuss Bangladesh’s advancements in socioeconomic development, its shift towards democracy, and its prospective goals for the future.
Professor Yunus departs from Qatar to visit the Vatican and pay his final respects to Pope Francis.
The recuperation of illicitly obtained funds and foreign assets is anticipated to be a key point of discussion as well.
Recently, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur informed journalists at the Foreign Service Academy that the Chief Advisor plans to address this matter during their trip to London. This effort aims to contribute to the continuous initiatives for retrieving misappropriated money and properties.
The government reports that approximately $16 billion was illegally moved overseas each year during the former leadership.
The Chief Advisor has already requested assistance from the British government via its High Commissioner stationed in Dhaka to locate and reclaim assets believed to have been illicitly transferred to the United Kingdom by people connected to the previous Sheikh Hasina administration.
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