CA Yunus leaves for UK; discussion expected on renewable energy investment, laundered money

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has left for a four-day visit to the United Kingdom on an Emirates airline flight from the Dhaka airport this evening (9 June).

A flight of Emirates Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London at about 7.30pm, reports UNB, quoting the Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

During his visit, the CA is expected to hold discussions with UK authorities on bringing back money laundered from Bangladesh and bringing investment to the country's renewable energy sector, among other things.

Speaking to The Business Standard earlier on the day, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan said, "The UK is interested in investing in Bangladesh's renewable energy sector. Besides, the European country is also keen on providing advisory services to our renewable energy sector. Discussions could take place on the issues during the CA's visit there."

As per the CA's itinerary during the visit announced at a press conference on 4 June by  Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, the CA will hold a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

In addition, he will also pay courtesy calls on UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, several important ministers, political leaders and top policymakers of the government.

Apart from the bilateral meeting, Prof Yunus is scheduled to participate in a special discussion at Chatham House in London on 11 June. There, he will share his experience and views on the current reality, future prospects and challenges of Bangladesh.

Ruhul Alam also said, "In recognition of his outstanding contribution to ensuring harmonious coexistence between people, nature and the environment, bringing positive changes in the lives of marginalised communities and building a peaceful, harmonious and sustainable world, the CA has been nominated by His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom for this year's prestigious 'King Charles Third Harmony Award'."

Prof Yunus is expected to receive the award from King Charles III at a ceremony at St James's Palace in London on 12 June.

The King's Foundation's award was presented to former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2024.

The acting foreign secretary also announced that the CA will attend a special dinner on the evening of 11 June to mark the 35th anniversary of The King's Foundation. As part of his public diplomacy efforts, he will deliver a special speech at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, on the same day.

During the visit, Prof Yunus is also expected to hold courtesy meetings with the Secretaries-General of the Commonwealth and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), highlighting Bangladesh's broader international engagements.

The Chief Adviser is expected to return home on 14 June.