The Voice News: The British Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has refused to meet with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, according to a report by the UK-based newspaper Financial Times. Dr. Yunus is currently visiting the United Kingdom, where he is seeking support to recover billions of dollars allegedly laundered during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
Dr. Yunus told the British media that the UK should “morally” assist his government in locating the money “stolen” during the Awami League-led government, most of which he claims is currently in the United Kingdom.
However, Yunus stated that Starmer has not yet agreed to a meeting with him.
He said, “There has been no direct communication between us.” Still, Yunus added that he has “no doubt” Starmer will support Bangladesh’s efforts.
The Financial Times report states that UK government officials have confirmed there are no plans for Starmer to meet with Dr. Yunus. They declined to comment further on the matter.
Quoting Yunus, the report also mentions that the UK government is already assisting in tracking the laundered funds from Bangladesh.
Yunus stated that the purpose of his UK visit was to secure “more proactive support” from Britain.
The Financial Times further reports that Nobel Peace Prize laureate and interim head of Bangladesh’s government Muhammad Yunus is on a key international mission seeking support. He claims that a massive amount of money was illegally transferred out of Bangladesh during the previous government’s tenure and aims to recover that wealth.
The report does not specify the reason for Starmer’s refusal to meet with Yunus.
However, it notes that Yunus’s UK visit is significant, as it highlights his government’s anti-corruption stance and commitment to tackling illicit financial flows. Recovering the lost billions would lead to significant improvements in Bangladesh’s economy and could enhance public confidence in the new leadership.