Former UK City Minister Tulip Siddiq has formally requested a meeting with Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, during his upcoming visit to London.
Siddiq aims to dispel what she describes as a “misunderstanding” over corruption allegations lodged against her by Dhaka authorities — claims that ultimately prompted her resignation from the UK government earlier this year, The Guardian reported.
Last week, Bangladesh’s Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) alleged that Siddiq — or her mother — benefited improperly from a 7,200sqft plot of land awarded during Sheikh Hasina’s 15‑year premiership.
Hasina, Siddiq’s aunt, is currently on trial in absentia for crimes against humanity.
Siddiq has denied any wrongdoing, and her legal team has characterized the accusations as “politically motivated” and baseless.
In March, Siddiq voluntarily referred herself to the UK’s Adviser on Ministerial Standards, Laurie Magnus, who cleared her of any impropriety.
Nonetheless, she stepped down as Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City minister, citing the “distraction” the allegations posed for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration.
According to The Guardian, Siddiq, in a letter to Muhammad Yunus, emphasized her intent to offer clarity on the matter.
“I hope a meeting might help clear up the misunderstanding perpetuated by the anti‑corruption committee in Dhaka,” she wrote.
As reported by The Guardian, she reaffirmed her UK citizenship and parliamentary service, saying: “I am a UK citizen, born in London, and have represented the people of Hampstead and Highgate in Parliament for the last decade. I have no property or business interests in Bangladesh.”
Siddiq highlighted the ACC’s refusal to engage with her London‑based lawyers, noting that correspondence has been sent to “a random address in Dhaka.”
She decried the public airing of “fantasy investigation” details, stressing the need to protect her constituents and her own parliamentary duties from further distraction.
The ACC’s probe stems from allegations by Bobby Hajjaj, a vocal political opponent of Hasina, claiming that the former prime minister and her family embezzled billions in infrastructure funds.
Earlier this month, a warrant for Siddiq’s arrest had been issued. Siddiq has stated she is unaware of any such warrant or required court appearance.
Under the UK’s extradition arrangements with Bangladesh, clear evidentiary standards must be met before any request can proceed.
While Magnus’s inquiry in London found “no evidence” that Siddiq’s assets derived from illegitimate sources, he cautioned that she ought to have been “more alive to reputational risks” due to her familial ties to Bangladesh.
The inquiry also addressed claims surrounding her attendance at a 2013 nuclear‑deal signing in Moscow, accepting that her presence was social and not business‑related.
Yunus is scheduled to meet King Charles and Prime Minister Starmer during his UK visit, providing Siddiq a rare opportunity to directly address the allegations.
