Dhaka: Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is set to embark on a four-day official visit to the United Kingdom from June 10 to 13, aimed at enhancing the longstanding relationship between Dhaka and London through expanded cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, governance, and addressing global challenges of mutual interest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique emphasized the significance of the visit during a briefing at the foreign ministry. Dr. Yunus is scheduled to depart Dhaka on June 9 and return on June 14. The visit’s itinerary includes an audience with His Majesty King Charles III and bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Meetings with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and other key ministers and influential figures from the policy and business sectors are also on the agenda.
Dr. Yunus’s global contributions have been recognized as King Charles III has nominated him for the King Charles III Harmony Award 2025, honoring his lifelong dedication to promoting peace, sustainability, and harmony between people and the environment. The award ceremony is set to take place at St James’s Palace in London on June 12. The King’s Foundation, established in 1990 by the then Prince of Wales, awards this honor annually to individuals with outstanding achievements in sustainable development and humanitarian causes.
Marking its 35th anniversary, the Foundation will host a gala dinner on June 11, which Dr. Yunus is expected to attend. Despite speculation, the acting foreign secretary clarified that no meeting with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is part of the official itinerary.
Siddique described the visit as a milestone expected to consolidate the enduring ties between Bangladesh and the UK, noting the significant contributions of nearly 800,000 British-Bangladeshis to Bangladesh’s remittance inflows and cultural links. He highlighted the focus on expanding cooperation in trade, education, energy, climate action, migration, and governance. Discussions on recovering laundered money and illicit assets abroad are also anticipated, reflecting a growing partnership on financial transparency.
The visit aims to secure broader access to the UK market under the GSP Plus scheme, boost British investment, and foster joint ventures in technology, innovation, and green growth. As Dr. Yunus’s first bilateral visit to a European country since taking office, it holds diplomatic significance, showcasing Bangladesh’s commitment to democratic reform, rule of law, and inclusive governance.
The agenda will also cover global and regional issues, including climate change, sustainable development, the Rohingya crisis, and migration, with an emphasis on leveraging British expertise to support Bangladesh’s national development goals. Dr. Yunus will engage in courtesy meetings with the Secretaries-General of the Commonwealth and the International Maritime Organization, underlining Bangladesh’s broader international engagements.
As part of his public diplomacy efforts, Dr. Yunus will deliver a special address at Chatham House on June 11, sharing insights into Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress, democratic transition, and future outlook.