Tulip Siddiq, former UK City minister, has requested a meeting with Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus during his upcoming London visit to address what she calls a “misunderstanding” following corruption allegations made by Dhaka authorities, reports the Guardian.
The claims led to her resignation from the UK government last month.
Siddiq, niece of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina—who was recently tried in absentia for crimes against humanity—has been accused by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of benefiting from her aunt’s regime. The ACC alleges Siddiq, or her mother, unlawfully acquired a 7,200 sq ft plot of land through “abuse of power.”
In a letter to Yunus, seen by the Guardian, Siddiq denied all charges as “politically motivated smears” and lamented the ACC’s refusal to engage with her legal team. “They send correspondence to a random Dhaka address while briefing media about a fantasy investigation,” she wrote.
Though cleared by UK ministerial standards adviser Laurie Magnus in January, Siddiq stepped down as economic secretary, citing distractions for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government.
The ACC’s probe stems from allegations by Sheikh Hasina’s political rival Bobby Hajjaj, accusing the former PM’s family of embezzling billions from infrastructure projects. Last month, Bangladeshi media reported an arrest warrant for Siddiq, which she claims no knowledge of.
The UK, a Category 2B extradition partner, requires substantial evidence before considering such requests. Meanwhile, the National Crime Agency recently froze £90m worth of London properties linked to Hasina associates.
Yunus, scheduled to meet King Charles and PM Starmer next week, has yet to respond to Siddiq’s meeting request.
The ACC investigation revisits longstanding corruption allegations against Sheikh Hasina’s administration, with Siddiq becoming the latest family member embroiled in the controversy.