DHAKA / LONDON – A Bangladeshi court has issued an arrest warrant for British MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid, over allegations of corruption related to the illegal acquisition of state land. The court order follows an investigation by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), according to reports from AP and The Guardian.
Siddiq, 42, who previously served as Economic Secretary to the UK Treasury, is among 53 individuals named in court documents tied to three corruption cases. These include members of her extended family, notably the ex-prime minister, who was removed from power in August 2024 after nationwide student protests. Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi following the unrest and now faces charges including crimes against humanity.
Political Fallout and Denials
Siddiq has strongly denied the allegations, branding them as “baseless and politically motivated.” A spokesperson for the Labour MP reiterated that there is “no foundation for any of the charges” and labeled the legal action in Bangladesh as part of a “targeted smear campaign.”
In January, Siddiq stepped down from her ministerial role in the UK government, citing concerns that the ongoing controversy could undermine the integrity of her office. Despite her resignation, an internal review by the UK Prime Minister’s ethics adviser concluded that she had not violated any ministerial codes or engaged in illegal activity.
Currently, there is no extradition treaty between the UK and Bangladesh, making legal cooperation between the two nations complex. Nonetheless, the case has sparked international attention, particularly given Siddiq’s familial ties and former senior role within the UK Treasury.
This development comes amid a series of high-profile corruption investigations in Bangladesh, which has seen increased political instability since the fall of the Hasina administration.
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