A group of UK parliamentarians under the banner of All Party Parliamentary Group called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his hotel here on Tuesday and discussed issues of mutual interest.

Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Bangladesh Ambassador to the UK Abida Islam, among others, were present.

Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus held separate meetings with Wouter van Wersch, Executive Vice President of Airbus, and Charles Wyley, Executive Vice President of Menzies Aviation, and discussed issues of mutual interest.

Airbus, Menzies Aviation executives meet Prof Yunus in London

The meetings were held at his (Prof Yunus) place at residence (hotel) in London separately, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.

The Commonwealth Secretary General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey also met Prof Yunus separately later today.

The Chief Adviser arrived here on Tuesday, beginning his four-day official visit to renew their bilateral ties with the United Kingdom, with an increased focus on economic cooperation, trade and investment.

A flight of Emirates Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage arrived at Heathrow Airport, London at 7:05am (London time), Azad told UNB.

High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom Abida Islam received the Chief Adviser.

“This is a very important visit,” said acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, noting that Professor Yunus will meet His Majesty King Charles III and hold bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside other high-level engagements.

Prof Yunus leaves for UK on four-day official visit

“The relationship between Bangladesh and the UK is very deep and diverse,” he added, emphasising that the visit will play a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations.

During the visit, King Charles III will formally confer the prestigious ‘Harmony Award 2025’ on Professor Yunus, recognising his lifelong efforts to promote peace, sustainability and harmony between people and the environment.

The award ceremony will take place at St James’s Palace in London on June 12. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was the recipient in 2024.