Ex-minister Tulip Siddiq’s lawyer denied information about Bangladesh case, Sky News understands
Former anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq’s lawyer was denied any information about the case against her in Bangladesh, Sky News understands.
Ms Siddiq resigned earlier this year over accusations she illegally received a plot of land in a new high-end development on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, from her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as prime minister last year.
Bangladesh’s anti-corruption commission (ACC) claims the Labour MP received a 7,200sq ft plot in the diplomatic zone through “abuse of power and influence”.
However, Sky News understands an article published on Thursday morning saying the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate will face trial in Bangladesh over the allegations is the first Ms Siddiq had heard of it.
A source close to Ms Siddiq told Sky News her lawyer was in court every day last week to request information, but was denied it.
Tulip Siddiq with Sheikh Hasina in 2009. Pic: Reuters
The report in the Daily Telegraph said that if the MP refuses to attend court in Bangladesh on 11 August, a trial will be held in her absence.
It is understood she will not be at the court then.
Ms Siddiq’s lawyer said: “For nearly a year now, the Bangladesh authorities have been making false allegations against Tulip Siddiq.
“Ms Siddiq has not been contacted or received any official communication from the court and does not and has never owned any plot of land in Purbachal.
“This longstanding politically motivated smear campaign has included repeated briefings to the media, a refusal to respond to formal legal correspondence, and a failure to seek any meeting with or question Ms Siddiq during the recent visit by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to the United Kingdom.
“Such conduct is wholly incompatible with the standards of a fair, lawful, and credible investigation.
“In light of these facts, it is now time for the Chief Adviser and the ACC to end this baseless and defamatory effort to damage Ms Siddiq’s reputation and obstruct her work in public service.”
The ACC and Professor Yunus’ press secretary have been contacted for a comment.
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‘Leave me alone’: MP tells Bangladeshi authorities
Last month, Ms Siddiq accused Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Muhammad Yunus, of conducting an “orchestrated campaign” to damage her reputation and “interfere with UK politics”.
In a legal letter seen by Sky News in June, the MP also said comments made by Professor Yunus in a Sky News interview have prejudiced her right to a fair investigation, meaning the corruption inquiries should be dropped.
The interim leader, who took over after Ms Hasina was ousted last year following violent protests, said Ms Siddiq “has so many (sic) wealth left behind here” and “should be made responsible”.
Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh after being accused of rigging elections and interfering with the judicial system. Pic: AP/ Yomiuri Shimbun
Professor Yunus’ press secretary said he and the ACC “has no reason and scope to interfere in UK politics”.
“The Anti-Corruption Commission relies not on hearsay but on documentary evidence and witness testimony,” they said.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves has dodged calls from her predecessor Anneliese Dodds for a wealth tax to be considered ahead of this autumn’s budget.
When Sir Keir Starmer became Labour leader in 2020, Ms Dodds was his first pick for shadow chancellor. However, she did not last long and was replaced by Ms Reeves, who then got the government job after last year’s election win.
Speaking to the Sky News political editor Beth Rigby on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Ms Dodds said she had examined wealth taxes when she was briefly in the shadow chancellor job and how one could be implemented.
She said: “I would hope the Treasury is considering that kind of evidence, as well as other changes that have been put forward.”
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‘Rachel Reeves would hate what you just said’
Asked today if about Ms Dodds’ intervention, Ms Reeves said: “Decisions around tax are decisions that are made at a budget and we’ll make those decisions in the appropriate way, but the number-one priority of this government is to grow the economy.
“And that means bringing more investment into Britain, creating more good jobs paying decent wages here in Britain.
Listen here to hear Ms Dodds’ full comments:
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“We’ve got to get the balance right on taxation because we want that investment, we want those jobs to come here.
“That’s why we’re reforming the planning system, secured three trade deals in the first year of this Labour government, cutting back on unnecessary regulation, and reforming our pension system to unlock money for businesses to be able to invest here in the UK.”
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The government’s financial position is stretched ahead of the next budget, due at the end of autumn.
Ms Reeves has committed herself to not changing her fiscal rules, leaving little wiggle room to avoid tax rises or spending cuts.
This is due to the government’s inability to save money through policies like welfare reform, which were gutted due to a rebellion of backbench Labour MPs.
Last week, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds branded the suggestion of a wealth tax “daft” – but he has less influence over the writing of the budget than the chancellor.
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Meanwhile, reports from the Daily Telegraph suggested that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner backed increasing taxes, including reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance and a higher corporation tax level for banks.
Ms Dodds also wants to see those considered.
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