Report from the UK Prime Minister's independent adviser on ministers' interests

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

Jan 12, 2025, 05:24 AM

Tulip Siddiq, the UK's anti-corruption minister, is facing calls to resign amid allegations of corruption linked to properties in London associated with her family. The controversy stems from properties allegedly acquired through connections to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh who was ousted in 2024. Muhammad Yunus, the current leader of Bangladesh, has called for an investigation into these properties, suggesting they should be returned if found to have been obtained through illicit means. Siddiq has denied any wrongdoing and has referred herself to the UK prime minister's independent adviser on ministers' interests for a fact-finding exercise. The situation has led to political pressure, with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch calling for Siddiq's dismissal from her position as economic secretary to the Treasury. The allegations are part of a broader claim that Sheikh Hasina's family embezzled up to £3.9 billion from Bangladesh's infrastructure spending. Siddiq's mother, Sheikh Rehana, and former Camden mayor Nasim Ali have been mentioned in connection with her political rise.