Labour MP Tulip Siddiq will stand trial in Bangladesh later this month over politically motivated allegations of corruption. As news breaks that Tulip Siddiq faces corruption claims, the case, set for August 11, accuses her of illegally obtaining land during her aunt Sheikh Hasina’s administration. Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed the hearing, which includes over 20 others, including Hasina. If Siddiq fails to appear, the trial will proceed without her.
Siddiq, the MP for Hampstead and Highgate, denies all charges. Her lawyers insist the accusations are politically motivated allegations designed to damage her reputation. Earlier this year, amid allegations Tulip Siddiq faces corruption trials, she resigned as a treasury minister in Keir Starmer’s government, calling the case a “distraction.” However, she maintains her innocence.
The charges claim Siddiq influenced her aunt’s government to secure land in Dhaka for her family. Despite this, Siddiq says she has never received official court notices. Bangladesh issued an arrest warrant for her in early 2024. Tulip Siddiq faces corruption accusations that her legal team argues the authorities have ignored proper procedures.
Furthermore, Siddiq’s lawyers state, “This is a politically motivated allegations campaign with no basis in fact.” They criticize Bangladesh for failing to respond to legal inquiries or question Siddiq during a recent UK visit by investigators. The lack of transparency, they say, undermines the case’s credibility.
Separately, Siddiq faces another probe involving a £3.9bn nuclear power plant deal from 2013. Authorities allege embezzlement linked to her family, but she denies any involvement. The claims originate from Bobby Hajjaj, a rival of Hasina’s political faction.
Siddiq’s resignation followed a UK government review, which found no evidence of wrongdoing. Still, advisers noted she should have been more cautious about reputational risks.
Last month, Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus refused to meet Siddiq. He called the matter a legal issue, not a political one. Meanwhile, Siddiq’s supporters argue the case, in which Tulip Siddiq faces corruption allegations, aims to discredit her and stifle her public service work.
As the trial date nears, scrutiny grows over Bangladesh’s judicial process. Critics question whether Siddiq can receive a fair hearing. For now, the MP remains defiant, vowing to clear her name against what she calls baseless attacks.
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