Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has called on Britain's city minister for anti-corruption, Tulip Siddiq, niece of Sheikh Hasina, to apologise for using properties allegedly given to her family by the Awami League regime, which is now embroiled in corruption controversies.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Yunus asserted that the London properties utilised by Siddiq should be investigated and, if found to be part of a "plain robbery," returned.
Yunus emphasised that the London homes associated with Siddiq should be scrutinised within the broader ongoing inquiry into fraud and embezzlement.
His comments, marking his first public statement on the matter, are expected to increase the pressure on Tulip Siddiq, 42, to step down. Reports suggest No. 10 is already scouting for her replacement, according to The Sunday Times.
Yunus's statement followed an investigation by The Sunday Times that revealed Siddiq had resided for years in a Hampstead property purchased by an offshore company linked to two Bangladeshi businessmen named in the Panama Papers.
Speaking at the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka, Yunus described it as an "irony" that Siddiq faced corruption accusations, pointing to a report indicating billions of dollars were siphoned annually from Bangladesh under the Awami League, with some funds directed towards overseas assets, including property.
Yunus criticised the regime for their blatant corruption, saying, "They pointed out how money is stolen, but it's not stealing – when you steal, you hide it. It's a robbery."
When queried about Siddiq's properties in London, he confirmed, "Absolutely, it's about plain robbery. Nothing else." He further remarked on the gravity of the issue involving a UK parliament member.
The chief adviser highlighted the pervasive corruption under the previous regime, stating, "The word 'contaminated' is a very soft word. [The country is] totally destroyed. They had no intention of retaining any semblance of … honesty or transparency."
Yunus endorsed an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into Siddiq's properties, advocating for the retrieval of assets purchased with stolen funds.
"It's about people's money," he emphasised, noting the focus should be on returning resources to the common people.
During the interview, Yunus also commented on Shayan Rahman, son of Salman F Rahman, who donated £250,000 to a royal charity, highlighting the ease with which individuals close to the regime could flaunt their wealth.
Yunus reaffirmed the interim government's commitment to recovering assets held abroad, including properties in the UK, and expressed hope for international cooperation, including from British law enforcement.
The Sunday Times also spoke with Mahfuj Alam, an adviser to the interim government, who criticised Siddiq's involvement in what he described as a "family enterprise" and a coordinated effort to amass wealth over 15 years.
Despite the mounting pressure, Siddiq maintains that she is the victim of false allegations and has yet to be contacted by the ACC.
Meanwhile, Conservative opposition leader Kemi Badenoch has urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to dismiss Siddiq, warning of a potential diplomatic crisis.
Labour MPs have expressed frustration over Starmer's delayed response, amid concerns about his association with the UK branch of the Awami League.
