UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to meet Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus during his London visit, raising questions about Britain’s stance on Bangladesh’s pursuit of allegedly stolen funds.
At a Glance
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declined to meet with Bangladesh’s interim government leader, Muhammad Yunus, during his visit to London.
- Yunus is seeking the UK’s support to recover billions of dollars that were allegedly stolen by the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
- The Nobel laureate claims the UK has a “moral responsibility” to help trace the funds, as much is believed to be hidden in Britain.
- Yunus faced protests from some British Bangladeshis outside his London hotel, who demanded his resignation.
- Starmer’s refusal to meet comes as his government navigates complex political ties, including a former minister who is Hasina’s niece.
Starmer Rebuffs Bangladesh’s Interim Leader
In a diplomatic cold shoulder that speaks volumes, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declined to meet with Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, during his four-day visit to London. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who took charge after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted last year, has been seeking international support to recover funds allegedly stolen by the previous administration.
According to a report from Firstpost, UK officials confirmed the rejection without elaborating on the reasons. The rebuff raises questions about Britain’s willingness to engage with Bangladesh’s transitional leadership and assist in its anti-corruption efforts.
The Hunt for Billions in Missing Funds
At the heart of Yunus’s mission is the recovery of billions allegedly siphoned out of Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. Yunus has claimed that the UK has a “moral responsibility” to help trace these funds, as substantial amounts are believed to be concealed within British financial systems.
While pursuing the return of these assets, his interim government is also seeking the extradition of Hasina to face charges in Bangladesh. She currently resides in New Delhi, India, under the apparent protection of the Modi government.
Domestic Politics and International Implications
Starmer’s decision to avoid meeting Yunus may be influenced by complex domestic political factors. Notable among these is the recent resignation of Tulip Siddiq, a former anti-corruption minister in Starmer’s party. Siddiq is Sheikh Hasina’s niece, creating potential political entanglements for the British government.
Furthermore, Yunus faced protests from some British Bangladeshis outside his London hotel, highlighting the fractured nature of opinion within the diaspora. Starmer’s refusal to meet with Yunus sends a signal of a cautious approach to engaging with interim governments, particularly those that came to power through unconventional means. For Bangladesh, this represents a setback in its efforts to gain international legitimacy and secure assistance in recovering allegedly misappropriated national assets.
