Tulip Siddiq accuses the Bangladeshi authorities of false allegations in a corruption scandal linked to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina. Following her January resignation amid scrutiny, Siddiq contends that the allegations are baseless, questioning the legitimacy and transparency of the investigation by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission. Despite calls for her extradition, she maintains her innocence and lacks any wealth left in Bangladesh.
Tulip Siddiq, the former Labour Treasury minister, has accused the Bangladeshi government of launching a “targeted and baseless” assault against her amidst an ongoing corruption scandal. Her resignation in January followed scrutiny regarding her ties to Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh and her aunt. Opposition figures demand her extradition to investigate her involvement in a Russian nuclear power plant deal and allegations of money laundering.
In a response to the accusations, Ms. Siddiq raised concerns about the Bangladeshi government’s approach, noting that they have publicly briefed UK media while failing to address her directly with any specific allegations. In a letter to Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which is investigating claims surrounding Ms. Hasina’s family, her legal team criticized the ACC for allegedly pursuing a campaign against her.
The ACC is reportedly examining whether Siddiq’s £700,000 flat in London was acquired through corrupt means, which her attorneys called “absurd.” They asserted that no allegations have been adequately presented to her and criticized the use of media to propagate unfounded claims. The letter emphasizes that there is no valid case against her requiring her to return to Bangladesh for questioning.
Furthermore, it contends that any process initiated by the Bangladeshi government lacks legitimacy and appears focused on generating publicity rather than pursuing facts. Ms. Siddiq asserts that she has no remaining wealth in Bangladesh, and no substantial evidence has been presented to support any claims against her.
After links to properties associated with allies of her aunt surfaced, Ms. Siddiq referred herself to the Prime Minister’s ethics advisor in January. Sir Keir Starmer previously faced calls to dismiss her amid the investigation, although she was ultimately cleared of breaching the ministerial code. Ms. Siddiq chose to resign, citing that her continued role would distract from governmental duties.
Regarding the allegations, the ACC’s chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen stated that all claims against Siddiq would stand up in court, showcasing the alleged seriousness of the matter. He noted his familiarity with UK governance standards, suggesting confidence in the evidence they possess.
Tulip Siddiq, facing serious allegations from the Bangladeshi government, maintains that these claims are unfounded and part of a deliberate smear campaign. Her critics are calling for her extradition, while Siddiq insists that the process lacks transparency and legitimacy. Despite the scrutiny, she has been cleared of improper conduct in her ministerial role. As investigations progress, the contrast in narratives highlights the complexities of international corruption allegations.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
