Several United Kingdom (UK) news outlets since Thursday reported that Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed corruption charges against Tulip Siddiq, the UK Treasury’s Economic Secretary, escalating political tensions.
The UK Labour Minister has been accused of involvement in a scheme where her family allegedly embezzled up to Tk590 billion from infrastructure projects in Bangladesh.
Tulip Siddiq, 42, is tasked with addressing corruption in financial markets, is accused of brokering a 2013 deal with Russia that inflated the cost of Bangladesh’s Rooppur Power Plant Project, BBC reports.
This allegation is part of a broader investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into Sheikh Hasina, whose niece is Tulip.
A source close to Siddiq dismissed the allegations as “trumped-up charges” and “completely politically motivated,” meant to tarnish her and her family’s reputation.
The UK’s opposition Conservative Party quickly criticized the government. Matt Vickers, Conservative shadow home office minister, remarked: “The fact Labour’s anti-corruption minister is reportedly embroiled in a corruption case is the latest stain on Keir Starmer’s judgment. It is high time she came clean.”
Despite the allegations, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed confidence in Siddiq. Downing Street confirmed that Siddiq would continue her anti-corruption duties but has stepped back from decisions related to Bangladesh.
The investigation was reportedly initiated based on claims by Bobby Hajjaj, a senior political opponent of Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Banglaesh.
It is claimed that Siddiq mediated meetings between Bangladeshi officials and the Russian government, inflating the project’s cost by £1bn, with 30% allegedly siphoned off to family members, including Siddiq.
Court documents seen by the BBC allege that £3.9bn was embezzled through the project via a network of banks and companies. Footage from 2013, recorded by the Associated Press, shows Siddiq present at the deal’s signing alongside Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The ACC is also investigating several members of Hasina’s family and senior government officials.
Siddiq, elected MP for Hampstead and Highgate in 2015, denies any involvement in the alleged embezzlement.
dhaka tribune