Tulip Siddiq Denounces Corruption Allegations: Calls Them False and Baseless

Tulip Siddiq, former Labour Treasury minister, denies allegations from Bangladeshi authorities, accusing them of a “targeted and baseless” campaign concerning corruption. Resigning in January due to scrutiny over links to her aunt, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, she questions why the allegations have been communicated through media rather than directly. Her legal team describes the opposition’s claims and investigations as lacking merit, asserting her innocence.

Tulip Siddiq, a former Labour Treasury minister, has accused Bangladeshi authorities of engaging in a “targeted and baseless” campaign against her, asserting that they have made “false and vexatious” claims amid a corruption scandal. Siddiq resigned in January following scrutiny over her ties to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister.

Bangladesh’s opposition politicians demand the extradition of Siddiq to face inquiries regarding her purported involvement in a nuclear power plant deal with Russia and allegations of money laundering. In her first significant response since her resignation, Siddiq questioned why the Bangladeshi government had briefed UK media multiple times without addressing allegations directly towards her.

In a letter to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh, whose investigation entails claims that Hasina’s family misappropriated substantial government funds, Siddiq’s legal team described the ACC’s actions as an “on-going targeted and baseless campaign.” The ACC is also probing the claim that Siddiq’s £700,000 London property was purchased using misappropriated funds, which her lawyers deemed “absurd.”

Siddiq’s letter indicated that allegations against her have not been formally presented by the Bangladesh government or the ACC. Instead, it claimed, the media has been utilized to circulate accusations lacking any truth. It insists that there is no case that requires her to travel to Bangladesh for investigations.

Furthermore, the letter criticized the investigative process followed by the Chief Adviser, labeling it illegitimate and seemingly intended to generate publicity rather than ascertain facts. It emphasized that Siddiq does not possess wealth in Bangladesh and that no substantiating evidence for any of the allegations has been presented.

Following revelations about her living arrangements linked to political allies of her aunt, Siddiq had referred herself to the Prime Minister’s ethics tsar in January. Amid increasing pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to remove Siddiq—who was the anti-corruption minister—she resigned, despite not breaching the ministerial code, to avoid distracting the government’s work.

In a response to the allegations, ACC Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen stated that all claims against Siddiq would be conclusively proven in any court, asserting his familiarity with the governance standards in the UK due to his education there.

In summary, Tulip Siddiq maintains her innocence amid accusations from Bangladeshi authorities regarding corruption and money laundering, condemning the allegations as unfounded and part of a targeted campaign. Her legal representatives argue the lack of direct engagement with credible allegations, citing a flawed investigative process undermined by media publicity. Siddiq resigned from her ministerial position to avoid distraction, despite being cleared of breaching the ministerial code. The ongoing investigation by the ACC continues to draw scrutiny.

Original Source: www.inkl.com