A British lawmaker from the Labour Party has expressed her dismay over what she describes as unfair treatment in Bangladesh, where she received a two-year prison sentence in her absence. Tulip Siddiq, a former Treasury minister, denounced the corruption charges against her as a result of a biased “kangaroo court” ruling. The allegations suggest that Siddiq used her influence to secure land for her mother in a government project through her aunt, the former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Labour Party has disavowed the verdict, citing Siddiq’s inability to defend herself in court. Alongside Hasina, Siddiq was convicted by Judge Rabiul Alam of the Special Judge’s Court in Dhaka, while her mother, Sheikh Rehana, received a seven-year sentence. None of the accused individuals were present in the country during the trial.
In response to the ruling, Siddiq criticized the court’s decision as predictable and unjust. She emphasized her commitment to her constituents in Hampstead and Highgate, dismissing the allegations as a distraction from her responsibilities. The judge implicated Hasina in abuse of power during her tenure as prime minister, leading to a series of corruption charges against her.
Prosecutor Khan Mainul Hasan from Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission accused Siddiq of pressuring her aunt to allocate land for her family near the capital. The corruption cases emerged following Hasina’s removal from power, with Siddiq highlighting the lack of communication from Bangladeshi authorities regarding the accusations against her.
Siddiq’s family faces additional investigations, including allegations of embezzlement related to a significant deal in 2013. While denying any wrongdoing, Siddiq has expressed frustration over what she perceives as politically motivated legal actions in Bangladesh. The UK lacks an extradition treaty with Bangladesh, and the Labour Party has refused to acknowledge the corruption ruling against Siddiq.
A party spokesperson emphasized the importance of a fair legal process and proper notification of charges, which Siddiq claims she has not received. Despite being cleared of breaching the Ministerial Code in a previous ethics investigation, Siddiq chose to resign from her ministerial position earlier this year to avoid distracting from the government’s agenda.