Tulip Siddiq, a Labour MP and the UK’s city minister for anti-corruption, is at the centre of a growing political storm involving allegations of ties to properties linked to her maternal aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the recently ousted prime minister of Bangladesh.
Reports have also surfaced that Siddiq is under investigation by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for her alleged involvement in a bribery and mediation role related to the Rooppur nuclear power plant project.
On 13 January, the ACC filed 3 cases, accusing Tulip, her two siblings, their mother along with the UK MP's aunt Sheikh Hasina.
The situation is further complicated by allegations concerning her mother, Sheikh Rehana, adding another layer of controversy that threatens both Siddiq’s political career and the reputation of Labour leader Keir Starmer, who faces mounting pressure to dismiss her.
The allegations against Siddiq primarily revolve around properties in London reportedly connected to individuals affiliated with the Awami League and her aunt.
One of the properties, valued at £2 million, is linked to a businessman with ties to the Awami League, while another flat allegedly gifted to Siddiq has raised concerns about potential illicit financial flows.
Meanwhile, her alleged role in the Rooppur nuclear project has brought more serious accusations, with claims that she acted as a mediator to facilitate contracts in exchange for bribes.
These allegations have reportedly drawn the attention of Bangladesh's ACC, intensifying scrutiny of her actions.
Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government and a Nobel laureate, has sharply criticised UK Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, describing the allegations against her as a form of "dacoity" – a term traditionally used to denote organised robbery.
Yunus’s strong remarks were made in reference to the alleged misuse of political influence and illicit financial dealings linked to Siddiq and her family, including her purported role in the Rooppur nuclear power plant bribery scandal.
He condemned the alleged actions as a blatant abuse of power and an affront to principles of integrity and transparency.
Calling for swift and decisive accountability, Yunus urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to address the issue, emphasising that failing to act could set a dangerous precedent for corruption and impunity at both national and international levels.
His statement has further intensified the spotlight on Siddiq and deepened the political implications of the controversy.
Tulip’s mother, Sheikh Rehana, is also implicated in the broader controversy.
Rehana is accused of residing in a property owned by Shayan F Rahman, a Bangladeshi businessman and ally of the Awami League, who has faced allegations of benefiting from preferential treatment under Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Critics argue that these arrangements reflect a wider pattern of exploiting familial and political connections for personal advantage, further entangling Siddiq in allegations of misconduct associated with her family.
Faced with these mounting controversies, Siddiq has stepped back from her ministerial duties and referred herself to the UK government’s independent adviser on ministerial standards.
She has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that her actions and property acquisitions have been legal and transparent.
Despite this, the allegations have placed significant pressure on Keir Starmer to act decisively.
Labour’s claim to be a party committed to transparency and ethical governance risks being undermined by Tulip Siddiq’s continued presence in her role.
Prominent Conservative figures, such as Kemi Badenoch, have seized the opportunity to criticise Tulip Siddiq, arguing that her position as Anti-Corruption Minister damages the UK’s credibility in championing anti-corruption efforts globally.
Starmer faces a political and ethical quandary. Dismissing Siddiq without conclusive evidence risks alienating key constituencies within Labour, including British-Bangladeshi communities, and could exacerbate internal divisions.
However, retaining her amid unresolved allegations risks tarnishing Labour’s reputation and providing the Conservatives with a powerful narrative to challenge Starmer’s leadership.
The implications of this controversy extend beyond domestic politics. Bangladesh, a key ally in South Asia, is closely observing developments.
Any action perceived as targeting Siddiq due to her familial connections could strain UK-Bangladesh relations, particularly given the political sensitivities surrounding Sheikh Hasina’s recent ouster and broader allegations of corruption tied to the Awami League leadership.
This diplomatic dimension adds another layer of complexity to the decisions Starmer must make.
Starmer is likely to proceed cautiously, awaiting the outcome of the independent investigation into Siddiq’s conduct.
This approach demonstrates a commitment to due process while allowing him to align his decisions with the investigation’s findings.
However, prolonged scrutiny of Tulip Siddiq’s alleged involvement in the Rooppur project, combined with her family’s broader controversies, risks damaging Labour’s credibility and providing further ammunition for its opponents.
The controversy surrounding Tulip Siddiq serves as a litmus test for Starmer’s leadership and Labour’s commitment to ethical governance.
Should the allegations against Siddiq be substantiated, Starmer may have little choice but to remove her from her role to protect Labour’s reputation and electoral prospects.
However, such a move would come at a political cost, challenging Starmer to navigate the competing pressures of maintaining party unity, managing international relations, and upholding public trust.
This unfolding situation highlights the intricate interplay of domestic politics, international dynamics, and ethical considerations, with significant implications for Labour’s future direction.
