Official report or statement from the UK government's ethics watchdog

UK Anti-Corruption Minister Tulip Siddiq Faces Resignation Calls Over Alleged Corruption Linked to Sheikh Hasina's Regime

Jan 12, 2025, 10:18 AM

Tulip Siddiq, the UK's anti-corruption minister, is facing calls to resign amid allegations of corruption linked to properties she and her family have used in London. These properties are connected to the former regime of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh. The current leader of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, has demanded an investigation into these properties, suggesting they were acquired through 'plain robbery' and should be returned if found to be illegally obtained. Siddiq, who also serves as the economic secretary to the Treasury, has denied any wrongdoing and has referred herself to the UK government's ethics watchdog for an investigation. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to sack Siddiq, citing her alleged corruption and the government of Bangladesh's concerns over her links to Hasina's regime. Science Secretary Peter Kyle has defended Siddiq, stating that she has done the right thing by referring herself to the watchdog, and that the Prime Minister will abide by the outcome of the inquiry. The situation has been complicated by reports that Siddiq lived in a Hampstead flat bought by an offshore company named in the Panama Papers, and that her family has been linked to multiple London properties purchased through offshore entities.