- Kemi Badenoch demands UK PM Sir Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq amid corruption claims.
- Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus calls for investigation into Siddiq’s London properties.
- Siddiq denies wrongdoing, refers herself for investigation, but pressure mounts.
- Allegations tie Siddiq to a controversial Bangladesh nuclear deal and embezzlement claims.
- The UK Cabinet continues to defend Siddiq as international media scrutiny intensifies.
DHAKA, Jan 12, 2025 – The political storm surrounding UK Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq has escalated, with mounting corruption allegations and calls for an investigation into properties tied to her. Leading the charge is Kemi Badenoch, the UK Leader of the Opposition, who has urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to dismiss Siddiq, citing growing concerns over her involvement in corruption scandals linked to Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The allegations gained further momentum after a high-profile intervention by Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and prominent figure in Bangladesh. Yunus, in an interview with *The Sunday Times*, called for a formal investigation into properties Siddiq and her family have used in London. He even suggested that if the properties were found to have been acquired through illicit means, they should be returned to Bangladesh.
The Allegations: Property Deals and Corruption Concerns
Badenoch’s remarks on social media heightened the controversy, accusing Prime Minister Starmer of appointing his “personal friend” Tulip Siddiq to the role of anti-corruption minister despite the serious allegations against her. “Now the Government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina,” Badenoch wrote, highlighting concerns about Siddiq’s political and personal connections.
Siddiq, a member of the UK’s Labour Cabinet and currently serving as the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, is under scrutiny for her alleged involvement in multiple controversies. These include her use of properties owned by individuals with close ties to the Hasina administration, which was recently deposed following mass protests in Bangladesh in 2024.
According to reports, Siddiq had used a flat in Hampstead, north London, which belonged to Moin Ghani, a lawyer with strong connections to Hasina’s government. Additionally, Siddiq is linked to an apartment in King’s Cross, London, provided by Abdul Motalif, another individual associated with the ousted Awami League government. These ties have raised alarm bells, prompting calls for an investigation into how Siddiq acquired these properties and whether they were tied to any illicit activities.
Prof Yunus Calls for Accountability
Prof Yunus, an advocate for anti-corruption and financial transparency, has called for a deeper investigation into Siddiq’s actions. In an interview with *The Sunday Times*, Yunus criticized Siddiq for defending herself instead of taking responsibility.
He emphasized that as the UK’s anti-corruption minister, Siddiq should admit her mistakes. Yunus suggested that she should apologize and resign, rather than continue to defend herself. His remarks have intensified the public’s demand for answers.
Siddiq’s Defence and Self-Referral for Investigation
Siddiq has strongly denied any wrongdoing in response to the allegations. To show transparency, she referred herself for investigation to the UK’s independent adviser on ministerial standards, Sir Laurie Magnus. She emphasized, “I am clear that I have done nothing wrong,” in her request.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has defended Siddiq, expressing full confidence in her actions. He praised her decision to refer herself for investigation, calling it a demonstration of her commitment to transparency. However, his support has drawn criticism from the opposition and political analysts.
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Allegations
Siddiq’s involvement in the controversial Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant deal has raised more questions. In 2013, she reportedly helped facilitate talks between Bangladesh and Russia on the plant’s construction. At the time, Siddiq held no official UK government role.
The deal, intended to increase Bangladesh’s energy capacity, has faced allegations of embezzlement. Reports claim that nearly $4 billion in funds were misappropriated during the process. Both Siddiq and her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, have been linked to the scandal.
The new Bangladesh government, following Hasina’s ouster, has expressed concerns over potential corruption. The Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating the matter, putting further pressure on Siddiq.
The Fallout: Political and Public Scrutiny
As the investigation into Siddiq’s actions continues, political figures from all parties are expressing concern. Several MPs from the Labour Party have raised doubts about her alleged ties to the Hasina administration. The political fallout is growing, with calls for her resignation.
Despite Prime Minister Starmer’s continued support, political analysts believe Siddiq is facing increasing pressure. The UK opposition demands her dismissal, while international media coverage intensifies. Siddiq’s political future seems uncertain as the pressure mounts.
The controversy is far from resolved, and the investigation into Siddiq’s actions is ongoing. Siddiq maintains her innocence, but calls for inquiries into her property dealings and ties to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant deal are gaining traction.
As investigations continue in both the UK and Bangladesh, public scrutiny will only grow. Siddiq’s fate will depend on these findings and the political response. Whether she clears her name or faces downfall remains to be seen.