Open Society Foundations (OSF) Chairperson Alex Soros, son of billionaire George Soros, met with Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Thursday. The meeting happened just hours after US President Donald Trump announced a halt in aid to Bangladesh.
This is the second time within three months they are meeting; they had earlier met in New York in October 2024.
OSF Supports Bangladesh’s Interim Government
Sharing the news of the meeting by his X (formerly Twitter) account, Yunus said Soros and OSF President Binaifer Nowrojee expressed their support to the interim government of Bangladesh and its reform agenda.
“The leadership of the Open Society Foundations met with Bangladesh’s chief interim adviser on Wednesday to discuss how to restore the economy, track looted assets, address misinformation, and undertake critical economic reforms,” Yunus wrote.
DHAKA, January 29: The Open Society Foundations leadership on Wednesday met Chief Adviser to discuss Bangladesh’s efforts to rebuild the economy, trace siphoned-off assets, combat misinformation, and carry out vital economic reforms.#Bangladesh #ChiefAdviser pic.twitter.com/CRHyEEeleA
— Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) January 30, 2025
During the previous meeting held on 3rd October, Soros referred to Yunus as “an old friend of my father.” There is an allegation that Yunus provides economic support to George Soros, though there is no evidence available.
Involvement of OSF in International Political Changes
The OSF has been accused of interfering with political changes in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Analysts believe that the organization had a hand in the ouster of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hasina had previously accused the US of interfering in Bangladesh’s political affairs but did not provide specifics.
Soros’ Influence in India
George Soros and OSF have also been under scrutiny in India. Reports alleged that Soros-backed groups linked OSF to the Adani Group controversy by participating in the OCCRP investigation into Adani’s offshore investments.
Additionally, India’s ruling BJP has accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of connections with Soros-funded organizations. OSF’s activities in India remain controversial due to their reported support for groups critical of government policies.
