UK Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq is under scrutiny after being named in an investigation into allegations of corruption involving her family in Bangladesh. The case alleges that up to £3.9 billion (Tk 590 billion) was embezzled from infrastructure projects in the South Asian nation.
Siddiq, 42, who serves as the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, is accused of playing a key role in brokering a deal with Russia in 2013 to build a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. Investigators allege the deal was inflated by £1 billion, with the proceeds allegedly siphoned through a network of offshore companies and bank accounts linked to Siddiq’s family.
The investigation is part of a broader inquiry by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which also targets Siddiq’s aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh. Hasina was ousted from power in August and has faced multiple charges of corruption and human rights violations since fleeing the country.
A spokesperson for Siddiq dismissed the allegations as “politically motivated” and “trumped-up charges” intended to harm her family’s reputation.
The case has sparked controversy in the UK, with Conservative MP Matt Vickers calling for transparency. “Labour’s anti-corruption minister is embroiled in allegations of corruption. This raises serious questions about Keir Starmer’s judgment,” Vickers said.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended Siddiq, stating he retains full confidence in her ability to fulfill her ministerial duties. However, Siddiq has recused herself from all political matters relating to Bangladesh.
Court documents reviewed by the BBC indicate that Siddiq allegedly facilitated meetings between Bangladeshi officials and the Russian government for the £10 billion Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The ACC claims the project’s inflated costs were funneled to Hasina’s family, including Siddiq, through an elaborate financial scheme.
Bobby Hajjaj, a political opponent of Hasina, has been the primary source of the allegations. Hajjaj asserts that £3.9 billion was siphoned from the project by Hasina, Siddiq, and other family members.
Footage from 2013, obtained by the Associated Press, shows Siddiq at the Kremlin during the signing ceremony of the Rooppur project, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hasina.
The ACC is also investigating other members of Hasina’s family, including Siddiq’s mother, Sheikh Rehana. Hasina, who governed Bangladesh for over two decades, is accused of crimes against humanity and corruption by the new government.
Hasina’s supporters, including Syed Faruk of the Awami League’s UK branch, have dismissed the allegations as fabricated.
Corruption charges against top officials from ousted governments are not uncommon in Bangladesh. Hasina’s predecessor, Khaleda Zia, faced similar accusations, as did former president Hussain Muhammad Ershad.
The independence of Bangladesh’s judiciary has frequently come under question, with critics alleging political interference in legal proceedings.
