Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus returned home in the early hours today, concluding his diplomatic visits to Doha and Rome. A commercial flight carrying the Chief Adviser and his entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at approximately 3 am, as confirmed by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam to BSS.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus left Rome for home after participating in the funeral mass of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. He departed from Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport around 9:30 am local time (13:30 pm Bangladesh Standard Time).
Prof Yunus wrapped up his four-day visit to Qatar on April 25, flying directly to Rome to pay his respects to his old friend, Pope Francis. He was present at the funeral held at Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, where he had the opportunity to exchange greetings with various world leaders, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, EU President Ursula von der Leyen, former US President Joe Biden, and other prominent figures.
During his Rome visit, Prof Yunus was also called upon by Silvano Maria Tomasi, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, and George Jacob Koovakad, Cardinal Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. Additionally, Uruguay Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin met with Prof Yunus at his hotel.
In Qatar, Prof Yunus participated in the Earthna Summit in Doha, where he delivered a lecture on ‘Three Zero’ at Qatar University and engaged in several other activities. He held a bilateral meeting with Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and met with several Qatari ministers on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit.
Prof Yunus embarked on his journey to Doha on April 21 to attend the Earthna Summit, marking the beginning of his diplomatic tour.