London June 13, 2025 —A storm of controversy is brewing over the extravagant expenses incurred during the recent visit of Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, to the United Kingdom. According to official records, Dr. Yunus and his 39-member entourage spent nearly Tk 3.5 crore (approx. £210,325) on hotel accommodation alone during a four-night stay in London—raising critical questions about the purpose, accountability, and outcomes of the trip.The delegation, which arrived in London on June 9, booked 37 rooms at The Dorchester, one of the city’s most opulent five-star hotels, famed for its royal clientele and ultra-luxurious services. The exchange rate of £1 = Tk 166 places the total accommodation cost at approximately Tk 3.5 crore.The most expensive suite was reserved for Dr. Yunus himself, priced at £6,045 per night—or nearly Tk 10 lakh nightly—resulting in a personal accommodation bill of £24,180, which translates to around Tk 40 lakh over four nights. Such lavish spending, critics argue, is especially troubling given the current state of economic austerity and widespread hardship faced by ordinary Bangladeshis.No Tangible Diplomatic GainsWhile protocol and security concerns justify certain levels of expense for high-ranking government officials, the lack of any official deliverables from the visit has amplified public concern. There were no bilateral meetings, no trade or investment agreements, and no diplomatic engagements with UK government officials.The sole highlight of the visit was a personal award conferred upon Dr. Yunus by the British royal family—an event of symbolic significance but of no direct diplomatic benefit to Bangladesh. Toward the end of the trip, Dr. Yunus reportedly held a private meeting with Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the BNP and a fugitive under Bangladeshi law. The secrecy and political implications of this meeting have triggered heated debates back home.National Carrier BypassedFurther fueling the backlash, the delegation chose to fly with Emirates Airlines, known for its premium pricing, instead of Bangladesh Biman, the national flag carrier that operates direct flights between Dhaka and London. This decision is being viewed as a symbolic snub to national pride and a missed opportunity to promote the struggling state-owned airline on the global stage.Public Outrage and Demand for AccountabilityIn the face of widespread poverty, economic challenges, and shrinking public services, such extravagant government-funded trips have drawn sharp criticism from across the political and social spectrum. Social media platforms are ablaze with questions:What did Bangladesh tangibly gain from this trip?Was public money used to serve national interests, or personal prestige?Shouldn’t transparency and fiscal discipline define the actions of a caretaker government?A Test of Public TrustAs Dr. Yunus leads an interim administration tasked with overseeing a critical transitional phase in Bangladesh’s democratic landscape, this incident is being seen as a test of public trust. Analysts warn that opulent behavior without clear national benefit risks undermining the very legitimacy of the government he heads.The nation now awaits clarification—if not justification—from the authorities. In a time of economic fragility and political uncertainty, accountability is not just expected—it is essential.
