Awami League Slams Yunus’s Failed Europe Trip as “Diplomatic Disaster”

Awami League has strongly criticized Muhammad Yunus, the unelected Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, for what it called a “humiliating and fruitless diplomatic tour” of the United Kingdom and Europe. The trip, which lasted five days, failed to secure any high-level diplomatic gains and sparked widespread protests among the Bangladeshi diaspora.

Snubbed by Leaders, Greeted by Protests

Despite prior announcements, Yunus failed to secure meetings with key figures such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. Notably, no bilateral talks were held with any head of state or government, marking a stark departure from the high-level diplomatic engagements regularly conducted by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, including her 2023 bilateral with Rishi Sunak.

Instead, Yunus’s engagements included low-impact meetings with:
• Jonathan Reynolds, UK Secretary of State for Business
• The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh
• Executive Vice President of Airbus, Wouter van Wersch

None of these meetings produced any substantive outcomes for the Bangladeshi people.

Protests Across London

Yunus’s visit was met with strong opposition from the Bangladeshi diaspora in London. Peaceful protests were held:
• Outside the Dorchester Hotel where Yunus stayed
• At Chatham House during his speech
• In Parliament Square, where hundreds of British Bangladeshis gathered

Protesters demanded:
• Free and fair elections
• An end to authoritarian rule
• Restoration of constitutional order

Yunus Insults Bangladeshis While Discussing National Election

During a speech at Chatham House, when asked why Bangladeshis could not vote in a national election, Yunus dismissed the idea altogether, suggesting ordinary citizens were too corrupt to be trusted with their vote.

He said:

“How much money you give me, I vote for you.”

This deeply insulting remark—mocking the people’s democratic right—was widely condemned. By referring to the national election in such derogatory terms, Yunus displayed open contempt for the electorate and democratic norms.

His statement has intensified concerns that Bangladesh’s future is being shaped behind closed doors—without consent, input, or respect for the public.

Luxury Over Diplomacy

Yunus lodged at the luxurious Dorchester Hotel in London’s elite shopping district. He was one of many recipients of ceremonial awards from King Charles III—receiving far less media attention than other honorees such as football icon David Beckham.

No Progress, Only Damage

The Awami League emphasized that Yunus’s actions have only deepened Bangladesh’s isolation and diminished its global stature. His regime has:
• Banned major opposition parties from political participation
• Avoided credible electoral processes
• Damaged strategic ties with key international partners

The national election—under Yunus’s blueprint—is being designed without transparency, accountability, or public consent.

Official Statement from Awami League Spokesperson, Mohammad A. Arafat:

“I’m sure Yunus enjoyed rubbing shoulders with David Beckham, but he has achieved nothing for our country. His shopping trip to London would be laughable if not for the tragedy unfolding in Bangladesh—where fear and dysfunction dominate daily life.

This trip is a humiliation for Bangladesh on the world stage. Yunus was not greeted by the world’s leaders—but condemned by his own people in peaceful protests across London.

His latest insult—mocking the integrity of our citizens by suggesting they would sell their votes—reveals his true disdain for democracy. He must answer to the people, apologise for this shameful rhetoric, and commit to real, inclusive elections.”

📌 For photos and videos from the London protests, click here.
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