A Dhaka court on Thursday ordered the authorities concerned to seek a red notice through Interpol for the arrest of Tulip Siddiq, niece of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case over the alleged unlawful acquisition of a residential flat in the capital’s Gulshan area.
Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Faiz passed the order following a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Assistant Director AKM Mortuza Ali Sagar.
He submitted the application, informing the court that the accused is currently absconding.
After hearing arguments, the court granted the plea and directed authorities to initiate the process for issuing a Red Notice through Interpol. The development was confirmed by the bench assistant of the concerned court, Md Riaz Hossain.
According to the ACC, the case arises from allegations that Tulip Siddiq abused her influence to obtain ownership and possession of a flat without making any payment, treating it as an illegal benefit from Eastern Housing Limited.
The anti-graft body alleged that despite knowing about serious irregularities that made the property non-transferable, Tulip Siddiq used her political connections to secure necessary approvals.
Investigators claim she exploited her close ties to her aunt Sheikh Hasina, who was prime minister at the time, and influenced officials to facilitate the handover of the property.
Tulip Siddiq received the flat No B/201 at House Nos. 5A and 5B (old), currently 11A and 11B (new), Road No. 71, Gulshan without payment as part of a criminal conspiracy involving the exchange of undue benefits.
The ACC further told the court that Tulip Siddiq left the country before the case was filed and may attempt to tamper with evidence. Given her reported presence abroad, the commission argued that a Red Notice is necessary to secure her arrest.
