Tulip Siddiq, a Labour minister and Economic Secretary to the Treasury, has been named in an investigation into claims that her family embezzled up to £3.9 billion (Tk 590 billion) from infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. Siddiq, who holds responsibility for combating corruption in UK financial markets, is alleged to have played a role in inflating the price of a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh in a 2013 deal with Russia.
The allegations are part of a broader investigation by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which focuses on Siddiq’s aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh who was deposed in August. A source close to Siddiq dismissed the claims as “trumped up charges” and asserted that they were “politically motivated” to damage her aunt’s reputation.
Conservative shadow home office minister Matt Vickers criticized the Labour party, stating that Siddiq’s involvement in such a scandal was damaging to Keir Starmer’s leadership. He called on Siddiq to “come clean,” emphasizing that the British public deserved a government focused on their priorities, not embroiled in scandal.
Downing Street reaffirmed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s confidence in Siddiq, confirming that she would continue her role overseeing anti-corruption efforts. Siddiq has denied any involvement in the alleged embezzlement activities but has stepped back from political decisions involving Bangladesh while the investigation continues.
The investigation follows allegations made by Bobby Hajjaj, a senior political opponent of Hasina. The BBC has reported that Siddiq has not had any contact with the ACC as part of the inquiry. A 2013 photograph shows Siddiq with Sheikh Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to the Kremlin.
