The prime minister of the UK, Keir Starmer, has declined a request to meet Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, during his visit to London to seek support for recovering billions allegedly siphoned off by the ousted regime of Sheikh Hasina, the Financial Times reports.

Yunus, a Nobel Prize-winning economist leading Bangladesh’s interim government since Hasina’s ousting in August 2024, urged the UK to feel a “moral and legal” obligation to help trace funds allegedly stolen by the former regime, much of which is believed to be in the UK.

Yunus told the Financial Times the UK should feel “morally” obliged to help Bangladesh’s new government track down funds “stolen” by the previous regime, much of it allegedly now in the UK.

However, Yunus said Starmer had not yet agreed to meet him.

“I have no direct conversation with him,” Yunus said, although he added he had “no doubt” Starmer would support Bangladesh’s efforts.

“This is stolen money,” Yunus told the Financial Times, expressing confidence in Starmer’s support despite no direct talks.

UK officials confirmed no meeting is planned and declined further comment.

While Yunus noted UK assistance in tracking the funds, he sought “more enthusiastic support” during his visit.

Bangladesh authorities estimate $234 billion was misappropriated during Hasina’s 16-year rule, with the UK, Canada, Singapore, the Caribbean, and the Middle East as key destinations for these assets.

Yunus described Hasina’s tenure as a “big looting process,” with relatives and associates exploiting power to amass wealth.

The investigation into Hasina’s Awami League has stirred controversy for Starmer’s Labour Party.

In January, Tulip Siddiq, then anti-corruption minister and a Starmer ally, resigned after allegations of receiving material support, including property, from Awami League associates.

Tulip, Hasina’s niece and a current MP, denied wrongdoing but stepped down.

She recently requested a meeting with Yunus to address “misunderstandings” perpetuated by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission, but Yunus declined, calling the matter a “legal issue” and not personal.

Yunus emphasised that his UK trip is “just the beginning” of efforts to secure support from British businesses, financial institutions, police, and intelligence agencies.

“We need the support from the people of Great Britain,” he said, with his team still hoping for a meeting with Starmer.

The UK’s National Crime Agency secured freezing orders on two London properties owned by the son of Hasina’ ally Salman F Rahman. The agency has also frozen assets of Hasina’s cabinet member Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, signaling ongoing efforts to target illicit assets.

Source: Financial Times