A Labour minister in the United Kingdom has been named in a high-profile corruption probe, allegedly involving her family in embezzling a staggering £3.9bn (Tk 590 billion) from infrastructure projects in Bangladesh.
Tulip Siddiq, 42, the UK’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, is responsible for overseeing anti-corruption efforts within the UK financial markets. However, she now finds herself at the centre of a storm that could tarnish her reputation.
The investigation, led by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), centres on claims that Siddiq helped broker a controversial deal with Russia in 2013. The deal allegedly inflated the price of a nuclear power plant project in Bangladesh, potentially costing the country billions of pounds.
According to sources close to Siddiq, these accusations are “trumped up” and “politically motivated” attacks designed to damage her family. The allegations revolve around Siddiq’s aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, who was deposed in August 2024.
Claims of a Multi-Billion-Dollar Scam
The allegations surrounding Siddiq stem from accusations made by Bobby Hajjaj, a senior political opponent of Hasina. Hajjaj claims that Siddiq played a pivotal role in mediating and facilitating meetings between Bangladesh’s officials and the Russian government. These meetings were reportedly part of the £10bn Rooppur Power Plant project, which, according to Hajjaj, had its price inflated by £1bn.
Hajjaj further alleges that 30% of the inflated price was funnelled to Siddiq and other family members through a complex network of banks and companies overseas. In total, he claims that £3.9bn was siphoned out of the project, with much of it ending up in the hands of Hasina’s family and allies.
A Wider Political Struggle
This investigation is not just about financial corruption. It also forms part of a broader political struggle in Bangladesh, where the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had ruled the country for more than 20 years, has come under intense scrutiny.
Hasina, once hailed as a champion of the country, has been accused by the new government of numerous crimes, including “crimes against humanity” linked to violent crackdowns on protests that resulted in the deaths of hundreds. As a result, arrest warrants have been issued for Hasina and 45 others, including several former government ministers who have fled the country.
Critics of the Bangladeshi government, including those in the UK, argue that the country’s judicial system has often been used for political purposes. The targeting of political opponents through the legal system is a longstanding issue in Bangladesh, with successive governments accused of using the courts as a tool to settle political scores.
Siddiq Denies Involvement
Despite the severity of the allegations, Tulip Siddiq has strongly denied any involvement in the alleged corruption. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister has said that Siddiq “denies any involvement in the claims,” and that she will continue her role in overseeing anti-corruption efforts within the UK government.
However, to avoid any conflict of interest, Siddiq has voluntarily stepped back from any political decisions involving Bangladesh while the investigation is ongoing.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his full confidence in Siddiq, and there are currently no plans for her to step down from her position.
Political Reactions and Criticism
The controversy has sparked strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Conservative Shadow Home Office Minister Matt Vickers was quick to seize on the scandal, calling it “the latest stain on Keir Starmer’s judgement.” Vickers called on Siddiq to “come clean,” arguing that the British public deserved a government focused on their priorities rather than distracted by “yet another scandal.”
Meanwhile, Syed Faruk, a senior member of Hasina’s Awami League party in the UK, has dismissed the corruption claims as “fabricated.” He insists that these accusations are part of a wider political campaign to discredit Hasina’s family and legacy.