Chief Advisor Yunus's UK Visit Sparks Controversy Over Lavish Spending

Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Yunus and his delegation arrived in the UK on June 9, 2025. For their stay, 37 rooms were reserved for four nights at The Dorchester Hotel, one of London's most expensive hotels. Journalist Zulkarnain Saer, in a statement, revealed that a copy of their hotel bill, upon review, shows the 39-member delegation spent 210,325 British Pounds, or approximately 3 crore 50 lakh Taka (at a rate of 1 pound: 166 Taka), for their four-night stay.

The most expensive room, occupied by the Chief Advisor, was rented at a daily rate of £6,045, or 10 lakh Taka. The bill for his room alone came to 40 lakh Taka, or £24,180.

While a head of government can certainly undertake foreign trips, and considering their security and stature, they and their delegation may stay at any top hotel, it is crucial to disclose what Bangladesh gained or how it benefited from this trip. It is confirmed that he did not come here for any bilateral meetings. He only received a personal award from the British King and today met with Mr. Tarique Rahman, a top leader of the BNP.

No bilateral agreements or memorandums of understanding are known to have been signed either.

Furthermore, despite Bangladesh Biman having direct flights to London, he and his delegation traveled via Emirates Airline. Emirates' First Class and Business Class fares are also higher compared to Biman. And as the head of government, isn't it expected that he would travel on the country's flag carrier?