Bangladesh’s anti-money laundering agency, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), has requested details of bank accounts and transactions associated with Tulip Siddiq, the UK Treasury minister. The inquiry also extends to Siddiq’s immediate family, including her mother, brother, sister, and her aunt Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The investigation follows allegations that Sheikh Hasina and her family misappropriated up to £3.9 billion from infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. The claims, brought forward by Bobby Hajjaj, a political rival of Hasina, have been denied by Siddiq.
A spokesperson for Siddiq stated, “No evidence has been presented for these allegations. Tulip has not been contacted by anyone on the matter and totally refutes the claims.” Supporters of Siddiq emphasize that she has no overseas bank accounts and has not been approached by Bangladeshi authorities.
Allegations and Political Context
The allegations stem from a series of accusations made by Hajjaj, who fled Bangladesh last year amid violent protests against Hasina’s government. Siddiq’s associates have described the claims as politically motivated, designed to harm her aunt’s reputation.
A senior BFIU official told the BBC that all banks and financial institutions in Bangladesh have been instructed to provide transaction details related to Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana’s children Tulip Siddiq, Azmina Siddiq, and Radwan Mujib Siddiq, as well as Hasina’s children Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul.
UK Standards Inquiry
Amid the controversy, Siddiq referred herself to Sir Laurie Magnus, the UK Prime Minister’s adviser on ministerial standards. The referral follows growing scrutiny over her ties to her aunt’s political activities and reports suggesting she resided in London properties linked to Hasina’s associates.
In a letter to Sir Laurie, Siddiq reiterated her innocence, stating, “I am clear that I have done nothing wrong.” Downing Street confirmed that a fact-finding review will be conducted to assess whether further investigation is warranted.
UK Government Response
Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, expressed confidence in Siddiq, who holds responsibility for economic crime, money laundering, and illicit finance as the Economic Secretary to the Treasury. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister confirmed that the review findings would be made public, although no timeline for the conclusion of the process was specified.
The investigation underscores the political and financial complexities surrounding Siddiq’s family ties and her position in the UK government.
