Labour minister Tulip Siddiq caught up in Bangladesh corruption probe
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A Labour minister is facing involvement in a corruption investigation in Bangladesh, as the government there has alleged that she assisted her aunt in misappropriating billions of pounds.
City minister Tulip Siddiq is being accused of assisting Sheikh Hasina, the recently removed prime minister of Bangladesh, in diverting £5.2 billion meant for the construction of eight major projects, which include a nuclear power plant.
The Labour Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Highgate hasn’t made any statements regarding the allegations. However, some members of the Labour Party have labeled them as “unfounded.” Meanwhile, Syed Faruk, who serves as the general secretary of Ms. Hasina’s Awami League party in the UK, claimed that the accusations are “completely driven by political motives.”
Mr. Faruk, a family acquaintance of Ms. Siddiq, shared with the Daily Mail, the first outlet to cover the investigation in Bangladesh: "They are targeting Tulip simply because she is the niece of our esteemed Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina."
The article stated that Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an investigation into Ms. Siddiq, her mother Sheikh Rehana Siddiq, who resides in the UK, and her aunt Ms. Hasina, who has been in power for over 15 years.
According to reports, this followed a directive from the nation's High Court, which allegedly considered allegations that Ms. Siddiq might have played a role in facilitating the £10 billion nuclear power plant agreement.
The facility was constructed by Rosatom, a company supported by the Russian government. The agreement was made ten years ago in a ceremony at the Kremlin attended by Ms. Siddiq, her aunt, and Vladimir Putin.
Ms. Hasina, who has held the position of prime minister in Bangladesh longer than anyone else, is currently in India after being removed from office in August after several weeks of intense protests against her government.
The ACC is investigating additional relatives of Ms. Siddiq, such as her cousin Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who resides in the United States, and her uncle Tariq Siddiq, who is thought to be in hiding in Bangladesh, according to a report from the Mail.
A spokesperson stated on Wednesday, “The commission is dedicated to upholding transparency and accountability, no matter the status of the individuals involved.”
However, if the investigation is verified, it might lead to a dispute between the governments of the UK and Bangladesh.
Critics have pointed out that the narrative brings into question Ms. Siddiq's capability to maintain her position in the government, where she is tasked with eliminating corruption within the financial industry.
Matt Vickers, a shadow minister from the Home Office, remarked that this situation represents yet another blemish on Keir Starmer's administration.
He stated: "Tulip Siddiq has received housing support from a significant contributor linked to her aunt, did not accurately declare her interests, and is currently involved in an ongoing corruption investigation by the Bangladeshi government. There are also troubling reports that she had a meeting with the dictator Vladimir Putin."
"It’s about time she was honest. The people of Britain deserve a government that prioritizes their needs rather than getting sidetracked by yet another controversy."
Tory MP Joe Robertson expressed, "It's obvious that there are significant issues that need clarification. What role does the minister play in this? What are the specifics of these claims, and how can she remain in her position while facing such a serious inquiry?"
The Treasury chose not to provide any remarks. Labour and Ms. Siddiq were contacted for their input. Downing Street stated that Ms. Siddiq has not participated in any discussions concerning Bangladesh and described the claims as mere "media speculation," on which they will not offer any comments.
Ms. Siddiq stirred up some debate when she became the first Member of Parliament since the general election to come under investigation by the parliamentary standards authority.
The investigation was believed to be connected to Ms. Siddiq not reporting rental income from a property in London, but she was exonerated in August.
