UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declined a meeting request from Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, during a critical visit to London aimed at securing British support in recovering billions of dollars allegedly siphoned off by the former regime of Sheikh Hasina.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Yunus said the UK should feel both “morally” and “legally” compelled to assist Bangladesh in locating assets looted during Hasina’s 16-year rule—much of which, he alleges, is now parked in British territory.
“This is stolen money,” Yunus said. “The UK should feel morally obliged to help.”
Despite the gravity of the claims and his diplomatic overtures, the Prime Minister has not agreed to meet Yunus. UK government officials confirmed there are currently no plans for such a meeting and declined further comment. While Yunus acknowledged the UK is providing some assistance through legal and intelligence channels, he said the goal of his trip was to generate “more enthusiastic support” across all sectors.
Awami League Ties Haunt Labour
The case has already reverberated through British politics. In January, Tulip Siddiq—then a minister in Starmer’s cabinet and niece of Sheikh Hasina—resigned after facing allegations of receiving improper support from figures linked to her aunt’s government. Though Siddiq denies any wrongdoing and remains a Labour MP, the scandal has cast a long shadow.
Siddiq recently reached out to Yunus in a letter, requesting a meeting to clear up what she called “misunderstandings” being propagated by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission. Yunus rejected the request, saying: “This is a legal issue… not personal involving me.”
$234 Billion Allegedly Looted
Yunus claimed that during Hasina’s time in power, roughly $234 billion was siphoned out of Bangladesh through corrupt channels. The UK is considered one of the primary destinations for these assets, alongside Canada, Singapore, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
“There was a big looting process,” he told the Financial Times. “She [Hasina] turned power into an opportunity to grab money.”
Bangladesh’s interim administration has launched extensive investigations into the financial networks of the Awami League, and the UK’s National Crime Agency has already frozen two London properties tied to the son of a Hasina ally.
International Campaign Begins
Yunus, who assumed office following Hasina’s dramatic ouster in a student-led uprising in August 2024, said his trip to the UK marks “just the beginning” of a global campaign to retrieve looted funds. He aims to build coalitions across British society, including among financial institutions, business leaders, and intelligence agencies.
“We need the support from the people of Great Britain,” Yunus said, adding that he still hopes for a meeting with Prime Minister Starmer before leaving London.
