British MP Seeks Clarity Over Corruption Claims Linked to Bangladeshi Family Ties
British Member of Parliament Tulip Siddiq has formally requested a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during his upcoming visit to London, in an attempt to address what she calls a politically motivated “misunderstanding.” The controversy centres around recent allegations linking her to ongoing corruption investigations in Bangladesh, particularly those involving her maternal aunt and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Prof Yunus, a Nobel Laureate currently serving in a key advisory role in Bangladesh’s interim administration, is expected to meet senior British political figures including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles during his official trip. Tulip Siddiq has asked to be included in his itinerary to “set the record straight” and distance herself from the legal battles currently unfolding in Dhaka.
Tulip Siddiq: “No Ties to Business or Property in Bangladesh”
In her letter to the Chief Adviser, Siddiq emphasised her identity as a British national with no business, legal, or property affiliations in Bangladesh.
“I am a UK citizen, born in London, and have proudly served as the elected Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Highgate for over ten years. While Bangladesh is emotionally significant to me, it is not the country where I live, work, or hold any interests.”
The MP expressed concern that Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had failed to respond to her UK-based legal representatives, instead continuing to issue notices to what she described as a “random address” in Dhaka.
“Despite our repeated attempts to engage through the appropriate legal channels, my legal team has received no official communication or opportunity to respond. Meanwhile, details of the so-called investigation continue to be leaked to the press, fuelling misinformation and damaging my reputation.”
Controversial Land Allocation at Centre of Accusations
At the core of the controversy is a claim that either Siddiq or her mother benefitted from the alleged improper allocation of a 7,200 square foot government plot, allegedly granted through abuse of political influence during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
Tulip Siddiq has categorically denied the accusations and insisted she has never been involved in or benefitted from any such arrangement. She believes these allegations are part of a wider campaign to discredit individuals linked to the previous Bangladeshi government.
“I am being wrongly targeted as part of a political vendetta. These baseless allegations do not just affect me personally, but they distract from the critical work I am doing in the UK Parliament for my constituents and for the country.”
Legal and Political Fallout Escalates
The situation has become increasingly complex. Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is currently facing trial in absentia on serious charges including crimes against humanity, allegedly committed during her time in office. The interim government in Dhaka has intensified investigations into her regime, including alleged embezzlement of billions of pounds from national infrastructure projects.
The investigations, which have triggered international attention, have also begun to involve extended members of Hasina’s family, including Siddiq, despite her limited ties to Bangladeshi domestic affairs.
Chief Adviser’s Office Responds with Caution
When approached about the matter, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary for Professor Muhammad Yunus, stated that the office had not yet received Tulip Siddiq’s letter formally, attributing the delay to the closure of government offices during national holidays.
He also added a stern note, referencing past events linked to the previous Bangladeshi administration:
“The mass killings during July and August occurred under Sheikh Hasina’s orders, and we have not seen any expression of remorse or public condemnation from members of her family.”
While the press secretary did not comment on whether a meeting with Siddiq would be scheduled, the statement indicates a tense diplomatic climate ahead of Yunus’s London engagements.
Calls for Fair Process and Legal Respect
Tulip Siddiq has stressed the need for due process and transparency. She is calling for Bangladeshi authorities to officially engage with her legal team and clarify the nature of the allegations instead of relying on media leaks and political theatre.
“What’s happening is not only unfair but undermines democratic institutions. I’m ready to cooperate fully with any legitimate investigation, provided it follows due process and respects international legal standards.”
Public Service Overshadowed by Family Ties
The controversy has raised questions about the difficulties faced by diaspora politicians whose family roots lie in politically sensitive regions. Tulip Siddiq, despite her long-standing parliamentary service in the UK, finds herself caught in the crossfire of her aunt’s political downfall.
Observers note that while Siddiq has carved out her own political identity, her family links have made her a convenient target in Bangladesh’s shifting power dynamics.
Yunus’s London Visit Carries Diplomatic Weight
Professor Yunus’s visit to the UK is set to be closely watched. His meetings with top UK officials are expected to touch on governance reform, human rights, and the political transition in Bangladesh. Whether or not he meets Tulip Siddiq could send a signal about how the interim Bangladeshi government plans to handle international concerns and political sensitivities.
As the story unfolds, one thing remains clear: for Siddiq, the allegations are not just a legal issue but a challenge to her integrity as a public servant.