Bangladesh’s interim leader meets Alex Soros amid US foreign aid freeze
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Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus recently met Alex Soros, son of billionaire philanthropist George Soros, just days after the Trump administration announced a pause on all foreign aid, including assistance to Bangladesh.
In an online statement, Yunus revealed that his discussions with Soros focused on revitalising the country's economy and implementing key economic reforms necessary for Bangladesh’s recovery. The meeting, which took place in Dhaka, marked their second discussion in three months.
The Open Society Foundations (OSF), founded by George Soros and currently chaired by his son Alex Soros, expressed support for Bangladesh's reform efforts.
A statement from Yunus' office confirmed that OSF leadership met with the Chief Adviser to discuss economic recovery, asset tracing, misinformation control, and crucial financial reforms.
In addition to economic issues, discussions also covered cybersecurity, media freedom, and the ongoing Rohingya crisis. According to local reports, Binaifer Nowrojee, president of OSF, was also present at the meeting.
Alex Soros reportedly commended the interim government’s reform efforts, noting that the student-led movement, which played a key role in the fall of Sheikh Hasina's administration last August, had created new opportunities for Bangladesh’s future.
The regime change in Bangladesh last year sparked allegations of US interference, though Washington strongly denied any involvement in Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. A US State Department official previously dismissed such claims as “absolutely false”.
This meeting also follows Yunus’ earlier discussions with Alex Soros in New York last October, shortly after taking charge of the interim government. At the time, Soros shared an Instagram post calling Yunus “an old friend of my father”, further fueling speculation about the Soros family's influence in global political shifts.
While the interim government continues its reform agenda, the Trump administration's decision to halt foreign aid adds pressure on Bangladesh’s economic recovery. However, the meeting with OSF suggests that international financial networks and philanthropic organizations could play a role in supporting Bangladesh's transition.