Yunus snubbed by Starmer amid push to recover alleged stolen funds

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly declined a meeting request from Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during the latter’s recent visit to London, according to the Financial Times.

Yunus, who is in the UK seeking support to recover billions of dollars allegedly embezzled by the previous Bangladesh government under Sheikh Hasina, described the UK’s role as a “moral obligation” to assist in tracking down stolen assets—much of which is believed to be held in Britain. Despite these claims, Starmer has yet to agree to a meeting.

“I have had no direct conversation with him,” Yunus told the Financial Times, though he remains optimistic about the UK’s backing of Bangladesh’s efforts.

The visit has not been without controversy. Yunus’s press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, faced backlash on social media after stating they were unable to secure a meeting with Starmer despite his presence in the UK—a claim that sparked widespread debate online. UK government officials confirmed there are no plans for a meeting and declined further comment.

Yunus emphasized that his mission is focused exclusively on recovering stolen funds and urged Britain to fulfill what he described as a “legal and moral” responsibility to assist Bangladesh.

“The objective of this trip was to garner more enthusiastic support from the UK,” Yunus said.

The Financial Times also highlights the political ripple effects in the UK caused by Bangladesh’s investigation into Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party. Earlier this year, Tulip Siddiq—a former anti-corruption minister and close ally of Starmer—resigned amid corruption allegations involving associates connected to the Awami League. Siddiq, who is Hasina’s niece, denies any wrongdoing.

This week, Siddiq requested a meeting with Yunus to “clear up the misunderstanding,” but Yunus declined, categorizing the issue as a “legal matter” rather than a personal dispute.

Yunus accused Hasina’s 16-year tenure of enabling widespread corruption, claiming she “turned power into an opportunity to grab money” for family and associates.

Bangladesh authorities estimate that approximately $234 billion was embezzled during Hasina’s rule, with the UK identified as a major destination for the funds. Yunus also cited Canada, Singapore, the Caribbean, and the Middle East as other locations where illicit assets have been moved.

Calling the UK visit “just the beginning,” Yunus said he plans to continue engaging with British businesses, financial institutions, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies in upcoming trips.

“We need support from the people of Great Britain,” he said.

Despite the current refusal, Yunus’s team remains hopeful that a meeting with Prime Minister Starmer will take place in the near future.