Amid mounting allegations from Bangladeshi authorities, former UK City minister Tulip Siddiq has requested a meeting with interim Bangladeshi leader Muhammad Yunus during his London visit to address what she calls a “misunderstanding” involving her family connections and accusations of corruption.
Siddiq, a British MP representing Hampstead and Highgate and niece of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned as Economic Secretary to the Treasury over the ongoing controversy. She cited the matter as an unnecessary distraction for the newly formed Labour government under Keir Starmer.
Corruption Allegations Dismissed as Politically Driven
Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has accused Siddiq or her mother of acquiring a 7,200 sq ft land plot through abuse of power. Siddiq firmly denies these accusations, branding them politically motivated. Her legal team asserts that she has never been formally contacted by authorities and that their correspondence has been misdirected to an incorrect address in Dhaka.
Siddiq, who was born in London and has no business or property in Bangladesh, said the allegations stem from her relation to Sheikh Hasina, who was recently put on trial in absentia for alleged crimes during her 15-year rule. The ACC has widened its probe into alleged embezzlement by Hasina’s extended family based on claims by opposition figure Bobby Hajjaj.
Letter to Yunus: Urging Clarification and Justice
In a formal letter, Siddiq requested a meeting with Nobel laureate and interim Bangladeshi Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus during his official visit to the UK. He is scheduled to meet King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Siddiq wrote: “I hope a meeting might help clear up the misunderstanding perpetuated by the anti-corruption committee in Dhaka that I have questions to answer in relation to my mother’s sister.”
She stressed her sole focus has been serving her UK constituents and denied any wrongdoing or financial link to Bangladesh. Despite her efforts, she says the ACC refuses to cooperate with her lawyers in London and continues to leak unverified details to the media.
UK Cleared Siddiq of Wrongdoing, Urged Caution on Reputation
An earlier investigation by Laurie Magnus, the UK adviser on ministerial standards, cleared Siddiq of wrongdoing in January. The probe also found no link between her assets and any illegitimate sources. However, it noted she should have been more mindful of reputational risks due to her family’s political ties abroad.
The review also covered her presence at a 2013 Moscow meeting between Sheikh Hasina and Vladimir Putin for a nuclear agreement. Siddiq maintained her presence was purely personal, a claim accepted by the UK adviser.
No Evidence to Support Arrest Warrant
While reports from Dhaka suggested that a warrant had been issued for Siddiq’s arrest, she maintains she has received no notification. As the UK and Bangladesh operate under a 2B extradition treaty, British authorities require substantial evidence before acting on such foreign warrants.
Meanwhile, the National Crime Agency recently froze £90 million worth of London property linked to two men associated with Sheikh Hasina—fueling media speculation, but not directly implicating Siddiq.
She remains determined to clear her name, protect her reputation, and continue serving in public office without distraction.
