Tulip Siddiq, the Labour Government’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, is under investigation over allegations her family embezzled up to £3.9bn from infrastructure projects in Bangladesh.
The allegations centre around claims she brokered a 2013 deal for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh, during which £1bn is alleged to have been siphoned into private accounts.
Siddiq’s role as a minister responsible for tackling corruption in UK financial markets is now under scrutiny following revelations from Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The investigation forms part of a broader inquiry into the actions of Siddiq’s aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the recently deposed prime minister of Bangladesh, who fled to India in August.
Allegations of Embezzlement
The ACC alleges that Siddiq mediated meetings between Bangladeshi officials and the Russian government, leading to the £10bn Rooppur Power Plant Project. According to court documents seen by the BBC, the deal was inflated by £1bn, with 30% of the excess allegedly distributed among Siddiq and her family through an intricate network of overseas accounts and banks.
Political opponent Bobby Hajjaj, who brought the allegations, claims that in total £3.9bn was siphoned off by Sheikh Hasina’s family and government ministers.
Footage from 2013, recorded by the Associated Press, shows Siddiq attending the Kremlin for the deal’s signing by Sheikh Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Wider Investigation into Hasina’s Family
The ACC is also investigating Siddiq’s mother, Sheikh Rehana Siddiq, and other members of Hasina’s administration. Hasina, who led Bangladesh for more than 20 years, is now facing multiple accusations of corruption and “crimes against humanity” by the current Bangladeshi government.
Warrants have also been issued for 45 former Bangladeshi government officials, who are accused of financial and human rights abuses during Hasina’s leadership.
No Response from Labour
Tulip Siddiq and the Labour Party have declined to comment on the allegations. The ACC investigation comes amid growing concerns about Siddiq’s role as a minister responsible for addressing financial corruption in the UK.
The accusations are expected to intensify scrutiny of Siddiq’s political career and raise questions about the Labour Government’s anti-corruption agenda. For now, Siddiq’s involvement in the deal remains under investigation, and the outcomes could have significant implications for her political future.
