A Bangladeshi court has issued an arrest warrant for UK Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, alleging her involvement in a land acquisition scandal linked to her aunt, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The warrant, issued by Dhaka’s senior special judge, names Siddiq among 53 individuals accused of illegally obtaining plots in Dhaka’s diplomatic zone during Hasina’s tenure.
Allegations of Land Misappropriation
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh alleges that Siddiq and her family members, including her mother Sheikh Rehana and brother Radwan Mujib Siddiq, acquired a 7,200-square-foot plot in Purbachal New Town through abuse of power and influence. The ACC claims that these acquisitions were facilitated by senior officials from the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), the capital development authority.
Siddiq’s Response and Denial
Siddiq, the MP for Hampstead and Highgate, has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “completely false” and “politically motivated.” Her legal team asserts that she has never owned land in Bangladesh nor influenced any land allocations. They also contend that the ACC has not formally notified her or presented any evidence supporting the claims.
Broader Investigations and Political Context
The arrest warrant is part of a broader investigation into alleged corruption during Hasina’s administration. Siddiq has also been implicated in a separate probe concerning a 2013 nuclear power deal between Bangladesh and Russia, where she is accused of facilitating an overinflated contract leading to potential embezzlement.
Hasina, who was ousted from power in August 2024 following mass protests, currently resides in exile in India. Her administration has faced numerous allegations of corruption and human rights abuses.
Implications and Next Steps
The Dhaka court has set April 27 as the deadline for Siddiq and the other accused to appear in court. Failure to do so may result in them being declared fugitives.
The UK and Bangladesh do not have an extradition treaty, complicating any potential legal proceedings against Siddiq. In the UK, political reactions have been mixed, with some opposition members calling for her resignation, while others urge due process and caution against politically motivated charges.
As the situation unfolds, Siddiq maintains her innocence and continues to serve as an MP, pending further developments in the case.
