Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to dismiss Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq following allegations linking her to a £3.9 billion embezzlement scandal in Bangladesh. The claims stem from an ongoing investigation by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into her family’s alleged misuse of infrastructure funds during the tenure of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as prime minister last year.
Badenoch took to X (formerly Twitter), stating, “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq,” and accusing the PM of appointing his “personal friend” as anti-corruption minister despite corruption accusations.
Siddiq Denies Wrongdoing and Calls for Independent Review
In response, Siddiq has denied any wrongdoing and referred herself to the PM’s standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, requesting an independent inquiry. In her letter to Magnus, Siddiq wrote: “I am clear that I have done nothing wrong. However, for the avoidance of doubt, I would like you to independently establish the facts about these matters.”
Downing Street has confirmed that Sir Laurie will conduct a “fact-finding exercise” to determine if further action or investigation is warranted.
Allegations Linked to Sheikh Hasina’s Regime
The allegations against Siddiq are part of a broader investigation into Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s former prime minister, whose government has been accused of widespread corruption and authoritarianism. Bangladesh’s new leader, Muhammad Yunus, recently called for Siddiq to apologize and raised concerns about her links to properties allegedly tied to Hasina. Yunus suggested these properties should be investigated and returned to the Bangladeshi government if found to be connected to illicit activities.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Yunus stated, “If these properties were gained through plain robbery, they should be handed back to the people of Bangladesh.”
Political Pressure Mounts
Badenoch criticized Siddiq for becoming “a distraction” during a time of economic hardship, saying, “The government should be focused on dealing with the financial problems it has created. Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Despite the mounting pressure, Sir Keir Starmer has expressed confidence in Siddiq, stating she has “acted entirely properly” by initiating the investigation into her conduct.
Public and Ministerial Reactions
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle defended Siddiq’s decision to refer herself for investigation. Appearing on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Kyle said, “Tulip has referred herself to the authorities to be investigated. That needs to be completed. But the thing you can guarantee with this government and Keir Starmer as prime minister is he will abide by the outcome of that inquiry.”
As Siddiq remains under scrutiny, the case continues to draw attention to questions of integrity and transparency within the UK government.
