Labour minister accused of involvement in embezzling billions in Bangladesh
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Tulip Siddiq denies claims that she brokered corrupt deal with Russia to build nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. The Labour minister Tulip Siddiq is facing an investigation in Bangladesh over allegations she and family members embezzled billions as part of a deal for a nuclear power plant in the south Asian country.
Siddiq, who is the government’s Treasury economic secretary tasked with tackling financial corruption, has been accused of brokering a corrupt deal with Russia to build a nuclear power station in Bangladesh and receiving billions in bribes. She has denied any involvement in the claims. While Downing Street has strongly defender her, it is another headache for Keir Starmer after a turbulent few months that included the sudden departure of another minister, the former transport secretary Louise Haigh.
Siddiq is the niece of Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh who ruled the country for 15 years before being toppled in a revolution in August. Hasina’s regime was accused of authoritarianism, human rights abuse and rampant corruption and she and her ministers are now facing an investigation for mass murder and crimes against humanity. An arrest warrant was recently issued for Hasina, who is now living in exile in India and has denied the allegations.
The inquiry into Siddiq was opened as part of a wider investigation by Bangladesh’s anti-corruption commission, which is looking into crimes and corruption that took place under Hasina’s rule. In response to the allegations, Starmer’s official spokesperson said the prime minister had full confidence in Siddiq, and confirmed that she would be continuing to handle anti-corruption issues.
