Authorities in Bangladesh have filed a criminal case against UK Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq, accusing her of misusing her position as a Member of Parliament to influence land acquisitions for her family. The case also implicates her aunt, former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from office in August following mass protests and faces charges of corruption and crimes against humanity.
Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission Targets Siddiq and Hasina
Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) announced on Monday that it had filed charges against Sheikh Hasina and her family members, including Siddiq, for alleged involvement in a large-scale land grab in Dhaka’s suburbs.
“Sheikh Hasina, in collaboration with some officials, allocated plots for herself and her family members,” said ACC director general Akhter Hossain. The ACC investigation revealed that Siddiq allegedly used her position as a UK MP to pressure Hasina into arranging similar land allocations for her mother, sister, and brother.
The case report, filed by ACC deputy director Mohammad Salahuddin, claims that Siddiq “became aware” of Hasina’s land deals and leveraged her influence to secure additional plots for her family. It added that evidence supporting these claims had been collected from “various sources.”
Calls for Siddiq’s Resignation Amid Corruption Allegations
The accusations have intensified calls for Siddiq to resign from her ministerial position, which includes responsibilities for tackling financial corruption. She has also faced allegations of living in properties funded by Hasina’s allies and involvement in an embezzlement scheme related to a nuclear power plant deal with Russia.
The UK Anti-Corruption Coalition, comprising groups such as Oxfam, Transparency International, and Spotlight on Corruption, has stated that Siddiq’s alleged connections to corruption in Bangladesh present a “serious conflict of interest.” The coalition has urged Siddiq to step aside from any role involving economic crime, corruption, or illicit finance.
Siddiq Denies Allegations, Refers Case for Investigation
Siddiq has repeatedly denied the accusations, stating that she has no involvement in Bangladeshi politics. Last week, she referred herself to the UK prime minister’s adviser on ministerial interests for an independent investigation to “establish the facts.”
Downing Street has expressed confidence in Siddiq, emphasizing her transparency in seeking an independent review. A spokesperson for Labour leader Keir Starmer said, “The prime minister has full confidence in her.”
Dan Jarvis, a government minister, also defended Siddiq, stating, “She’s getting on with her job … the prime minister’s independent adviser is looking carefully at the circumstances of this particular case.”
Mounting Pressure as Investigation Continues
As investigations unfold, both in the UK and Bangladesh, Siddiq’s role as Treasury minister remains under scrutiny. Her position in the UK government, particularly in tackling financial misconduct, faces growing criticism from anti-corruption advocates and opposition figures.
