Summary:
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch demands PM Starmer to dismiss Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq over corruption allegations linked to Bangladesh’s former government and property usage in London.
- Muhammad Yunus urges investigation into London properties used by Tulip Siddiq, suggesting their return to Bangladesh government if acquired through improper means.
- Tulip Siddiq faces scrutiny over alleged involvement in £3.9 billion embezzlement from Bangladesh infrastructure projects and a 2013 Russian nuclear facility deal.
- Siddiq has referred herself to independent adviser Sir Laurie Magnus while maintaining innocence, withdrawing from Chancellor’s China trip amid investigation.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to dismiss Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq amid escalating corruption allegations linked to Bangladesh’s former government[1][5].
The demand follows statements from Bangladesh’s current leader, Muhammad Yunus, who urged an investigation into London properties used by Siddiq, suggesting they should be returned to his government if acquired through what he termed “plain robbery”[10]. Yunus specifically called on Siddiq to apologize and step down, stating, “Maybe you didn’t realise it, but now you realise it. You say: ‘Sorry, I didn’t know it at that time, I seek forgiveness from the people that I did this and I resign.’ She’s not saying that. She’s defending herself”[5].
Siddiq, who serves as the economic secretary to the Treasury with responsibilities for tackling corruption and financial crime, is under scrutiny for her alleged involvement in a £3.9 billion embezzlement scheme from Bangladesh’s infrastructure projects[4]. The investigation includes claims about her role in negotiating a 2013 Russian nuclear facility deal that allegedly diverted £1 billion into private ownership[4].
The controversy deepened after reports emerged that Siddiq had resided in London properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s former prime minister who fled to India following her ouster in August last year[5]. In response, Siddiq has referred herself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards, Sir Laurie Magnus, maintaining her innocence[7].
Badenoch criticized Starmer’s handling of the situation, stating, “He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption. Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina”[7]. She further emphasized that Siddiq had become “a distraction at a time when the government should be focusing on dealing with the financial problems it has created”[8].
Prime Minister Starmer has expressed confidence in Siddiq, stating she had “acted entirely properly” by referring herself to the independent adviser[7]. Meanwhile, Siddiq has withdrawn from accompanying the Chancellor on a planned trip to China to assist with Sir Laurie’s investigation[10].
The Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission’s investigation encompasses broader allegations against Hasina’s former administration, with Siddiq named as part of the case involving claims of significant fund misappropriation from infrastructure projects[4].
Source: TBS News
