Positive message for country if CA meets Tarique, but no decision on meeting yet: Shafiqul tells Somoy
The report comes hours after Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, made a Facebook post claiming Yunus will meet Tarique during his UK visit.
No decision has been reached on whether Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who is on his way to the United Kingdom for a four-day visit, will meet BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London, the CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told Somoy News today (9 June).
"Tarique Rahman is the leader of a major political party in Bangladesh, and a meeting with the chief adviser during his visit to London would be a positive message for the country. But whether the meeting will take place or not has not been decided yet. The matter will be clearer after reaching London," he told Somoy News tonight, reports the outlet.
The report comes hours after Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, made a Facebook post claiming Yunus will meet Tarique during his UK visit.
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CA Yunus and his small entourage left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London at about 7.30pm today for the UK visit.
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.
He is also scheduled to receive the prestigious 'King Charles Third Harmony Award' from King Charles III at a ceremony at St James's Palace in London on 12 June.
He is expected to return home on 14 June.
