Tulip Siddiq, a UK Treasury minister, has denied allegations of embezzlement linked to a controversial nuclear power plant project in Bangladesh.
The Labour MP, who oversees tackling corruption in Britain’s markets, was questioned by the Cabinet Office’s propriety and ethics team following accusations by Bangladesh’s anti-corruption commission.
Siddiq, who described the claims as a “political hit job,” allegedly helped broker a £10bn deal with Russia to build the Rooppur nuclear power plant.
While Whitehall officials confirmed that Siddiq met with the ethics team last week, they clarified it was a fact-finding discussion rather than a formal interview, with no active investigation underway.
Allegations of Corruption and Political Motivation
The allegations stem from Bangladesh’s anti-corruption commission, which is investigating crimes and corruption during the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina, Siddiq’s aunt and the former prime minister of Bangladesh. Hasina, who has faced accusations of authoritarianism and human rights abuses, is currently in exile in India.
The commission claims Siddiq played a key role in coordinating meetings between Bangladeshi and Russian officials for the nuclear project and that family members received a 30% cut from the deal. Siddiq has denied the allegations, describing them as “completely politically motivated.”
A photo of Siddiq with Vladimir Putin and Sheikh Hasina at the signing ceremony in 2013 has fueled speculation. However, Siddiq explained that she was only in the photograph after Putin asked her aunt, “Is your family here? I’d like a picture.”
Ethics Review and Siddiq’s Explanation
Whitehall officials stated that Siddiq’s explanation about her involvement in the Rooppur project was “accepted at face value” during her meeting with the ethics team. The prime minister’s ethics adviser has not launched a formal investigation, though this stance could change if new evidence emerges.
Siddiq reportedly told officials that her visit to Moscow over a decade ago was for personal reasons, as traveling to Russia was easier than flying to Bangladesh. A Cabinet Office spokesperson reaffirmed that the minister denies any involvement in the alleged corruption.
Broader Investigation into Hasina’s Regime
The allegations against Siddiq are part of a larger investigation by Bangladesh’s anti-corruption commission into crimes committed during Hasina’s rule. The former prime minister and her ministers face accusations of mass murder, corruption, and crimes against humanity, all of which she has denied.
The charges against Siddiq were raised by Bobby Hajjaj, a former opposition figure under Hasina’s regime. Bangladeshi authorities have not yet contacted Siddiq as part of their inquiry.
Political Repercussions
The allegations come at a sensitive time for Siddiq, given her role as a Treasury minister tasked with combating market corruption. Sources close to her have dismissed the claims as “trumped-up charges” and emphasized their politically motivated nature.
As the investigation continues in Bangladesh, Siddiq’s political and family ties remain under scrutiny, raising questions about the broader implications for the Labour Party and the UK government.
