Labour MP Tulip Siddiq to Face Trial in Bangladesh Over Corruption Allegations

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Labour Member of Parliament (MP) Tulip Siddiq is due to face trial in Bangladesh this month on charges linked to alleged corruption involving her family. The trial, scheduled for 11 August, is part of a wider investigation into the administration of her aunt, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from office last year.

Siddiq, who represents Hampstead and Highgate, stepped down from her role as Treasury Minister in January, citing that remaining in the post would be a “distraction.” She has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The case involves allegations that Siddiq improperly influenced her aunt’s government to obtain land in the Purbachal area of Dhaka for her immediate family. Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) confirmed that over 20 individuals, including Hasina and Siddiq, are to be tried. Authorities say if Siddiq does not appear, the proceedings will continue in her absence. An arrest warrant for her was issued earlier this year following multiple missed court summons.

Siddiq’s legal team dismissed the charges as politically motivated. In a public statement, her lawyers said, “Ms Siddiq has not been contacted or received any official communication from the court and does not and has never owned any plot of land in Purbachal.” They accused Bangladeshi officials of pursuing a “longstanding politically motivated smear campaign,” noting the absence of proper legal channels, including during the ACC’s recent visit to the United Kingdom.

Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus declined to meet Siddiq last month, stating that the matter rests with the judiciary. Siddiq has also been named in a separate inquiry concerning the alleged embezzlement of £3.9 billion in connection with a Russian-funded nuclear power plant project in 2013. She has denied involvement.

The allegations were initially brought forward by Bobby Hajjaj, a political adversary of Sheikh Hasina. Bangladeshi officials estimate that $234 billion (£174 billion) may have been misappropriated during Hasina’s tenure.

Earlier this year, Siddiq was investigated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus. While his findings revealed “no evidence of improprieties,” he concluded it was “regrettable” that Siddiq had not recognised the “potential reputational risks” posed by her familial connections.

The case marks a rare instance of a sitting British MP being named in foreign criminal proceedings.