UK Minister Implicated in Bangladesh Corruption Inquiry

A Labour Party minister has been identified in an investigation concerning claims that her family embezzled up to £3.9bn (Tk 590 billion) from infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. Tulip Siddiq, 42, who, as the Treasury’s Economic Secretary, holds responsibility for combating corruption in UK financial markets, is alleged to have facilitated a 2013 agreement with Russia that purportedly inflated the cost of a new nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. This allegation forms part of a broader inquiry by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into Siddiq’s aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from her position as the country’s prime minister in August. A source close to Siddiq described these as “trumped up charges”. The same source also stated that the allegations were “completely politically motivated” and intended to undermine her aunt. Conservative shadow home office minister Matt Vickers commented: “The fact Labour’s anti-corruption minister is reportedly embroiled in a corruption case is the latest stain on Keir Starmer’s judgement. It is high time she came clean. The British public deserve a government that is focused on their priorities, not distracted by yet another scandal.” Downing Street affirmed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer maintained confidence in Siddiq, and she would continue her duties as the minister overseeing anti-corruption efforts. Siddiq has “denied any involvement in the claims” accusing her of participation in embezzlement, according to the prime minister’s official spokesman. However, she has recused herself – or stepped back – from any political decisions involving Bangladesh, the spokesman added. The investigation is founded upon a series of accusations made by Bobby Hajjaj, a senior political adversary of Hasina. The BBC understands that Siddiq has not had any direct communication with the ACC as part of the investigation. The ACC is also scrutinizing several members of Hasina’s family, including Siddiq’s mother Sheikh Rehana Siddiq, and high-ranking officials from her administration. Hasina, who governed Bangladesh for more than 20 years, was regarded as an autocrat whose government ruthlessly suppressed dissent. Since her flight from the country, Hasina has been accused of numerous offenses by the new Bangladeshi government. Hasina is wanted by Bangladesh’s International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) for her alleged involvement in “crimes against humanity” that transpired during demonstrations, in which hundreds were killed. Arrest warrants have also been issued for 45 other individuals, including former government ministers who similarly fled the nation. Syed Faruk, who leads the UK branch of Hasina’s Awami League party, asserted that the claims were “fabricated”. Siddiq was elected Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Highgate in 2015, the north London constituency bordering Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s seat of Holborn and St Pancras. Allegations of corruption and convictions against senior leaders of deposed governments are not unprecedented in Bangladesh. Hasina’s principal predecessor as prime minister, Khaleda Zia, faced comparable charges, which she also dismissed as politically motivated. The same applied to former president Hussain Muhammad Ershad, who seized power as head of the army during a bloodless coup in 1982. The independence of the Bangladeshi judiciary has long been a subject of scrutiny. Changes in government frequently lead to judicial reorganizations, with ruling parties routinely accused of targeting political opponents. Court documents reviewed by the BBC indicate that Hajjaj has accused Siddiq of mediating and coordinating meetings for Bangladeshi officials with the Russian government to construct the £10bn Rooppur Power Plant Project. It is claimed that the agreement inflated the plant’s price by £1bn, according to the documents – with 30% of this amount purportedly distributed to Siddiq and other family members through an intricate network of banks and overseas companies. In total, Hajjaj alleges £3.9bn was siphoned from the project by Hasina’s family and minister. Footage from 2013 appears to show Siddiq attending the deal’s signing by Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, as recorded by the Associated Press.