Yunus in London: Who bears responsibility for the diplomatic misstep?

When the BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan asked Professor Muhammad Yunus—head of Bangladesh's interim government—during his recent visit to London why he was meeting the King but not the Prime Minister, it was an awkward moment for most.

- KAMAL AHMED

Yet, without hesitation or irritation, as clearly heard on the radio, Professor Yunus replied: "Well, we would be very happy to meet him. Somehow, probably he is busy or whatever. But that gives me a great opportunity, too—now that he is busy, I invite him to come to Bangladesh." A witty remark, no doubt, though hardly a satisfying explanation.

Rajini followed up with a more pointed question: "What reason does Downing Street give you for not arranging the meeting?" To this, Professor Yunus replied: "I don't think we've received any explanation. Probably he is busy with other important things." This exchange highlighted the Foreign Ministry's failure to secure a key meeting during the chief adviser's visit to a country with which Bangladesh shares a special and historic relationship.

Bangladesh's ties with the UK extend beyond bilateral trade, finance, and its large Diaspora; they are also rooted in colonial history. High-level political visits are not merely symbolic-they serve as essential diplomatic engagements. Planning such visits requires meticulous attention to detail: scheduling meetings, setting agendas, and managing protocol and cultural briefings. According to the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, preparations for a full state visit can take up to four years due to their complexity-though this was not a state visit but an official one.