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Tulip Siddiq, who is the British anti-corruption minister, has been accused of unlawfully acquiring properties from allies of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina’s regime.
British PM Keir Starmer is under pressure to fire Labour Secretary Tulip Siddiq, who is Sheikh Hasina’s niece. (Reuters/File)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has come under pressure to sack Labour Minister Tulip Siddiq, who is also the niece of ousted Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina, after interim leader Muhammad Yunus called on the UK to investigate properties allegedly gifted to her in London by allies of the former regime.
Yunus has called for an investigation into the properties of British minister Tulip Siddiq and her family, indicating that they may have acquired them through unlawful means during her aunt Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Bangladesh premier.
In an interview with The Times newspaper, Yunus condemned the use of properties gifted to Siddiq and her family by “allies of her aunt’s deposed regime”. He demanded the return of the assets to Bangladesh if she was found to have benefited from “plain robbery”.
Siddiq, a member of Britain’s Labour Cabinet, serves as the Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, responsible for addressing corruption within the UK’s financial markets. According to the Sunday Times, the UK PM has been urged to sack Siddiq after Bangladesh leader’s rebuke.
‘Time For Starmer To Sack Siddiq’: UK Opposition
The Times reported that Yunus’ comments on the scandal engulfing Siddiq, 42, will add to the pressure on her to resign, though there are suggestions that Downing Street is already looking for a replacement.
Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch has also called on the PM to sack the leader, saying he appointed his “personal friend” as an anti-corruption minister who herself is accused of corruption.
“It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq. He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption. Now the Government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina,” said Badenoch.
It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
Now the Government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina. https://t.co/qkOBJ4CtCZ
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) January 11, 2025
Yunus said it was an “irony” that Siddiq had been accused of corruption. Yunus referred to a recent official report that found the people connected with the Awami League regime had taken billions of dollars a year out of Bangladesh, with some funds used to buy assets, including properties abroad.
Yunus also said that if feasible, the properties bought by the Awami League allies should be returned to Bangladesh. He said his officials aimed to recover cash and assets held overseas but originating from funds in Bangladesh.
(with PTI inputs)
- Location :
London, United Kingdom (UK)