London/Dhaka, March 18, 2025 – British MP Tulip Siddiq has formally challenged the corruption allegations leveled against her by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), calling them baseless and politically motivated. In a strongly worded legal letter sent by her solicitors, Siddiq has accused the ACC and Bangladeshi government officials of using the media to spread false claims without following proper legal procedures.
The letter, addressed to the ACC Chairman and Commissioners, as well as Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, demands an immediate end to what Siddiq describes as a “targeted and baseless campaign” against her. It also urges Bangladeshi authorities to present any legitimate questions they may have through proper legal channels by March 25, 2025.
The controversy surrounding Siddiq, a UK citizen and elected MP for Hampstead and Highgate since 2015, stems from allegations of financial misconduct linked to Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. However, an independent investigation in the UK, led by Sir Laurie Magnus CBE, found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Siddiq resigned as the UK’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury in January 2025, citing the allegations as a distraction from government work, though UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer accepted her resignation “with sadness” and left the door open for her return.
The allegations gained international attention after Bangladeshi officials suggested in media interviews that Siddiq should “return to Bangladesh” to answer questions, with reports claiming she had acquired illicit wealth. However, her solicitors have firmly denied these accusations, stating:
“Ms Siddiq is clear that she does not have ‘wealth left behind’ in Bangladesh, and no evidence has been provided to support these claims. The allegations are simply false.”
The legal notice also criticizes the ACC’s approach, alleging that instead of conducting a proper investigation, the agency has been leaking information to the press to damage Siddiq’s reputation. The letter warns of potential legal consequences if the campaign against her continues.
Siddiq’s team has now given the ACC until March 25 to present any legitimate inquiries. Failure to do so, they assert, will confirm that the allegations are politically motivated and without merit.
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Summary of Tulip Siddiq’s Response to the Allegations
1. No involvement in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant deal – Siddiq was not involved in any official discussions or business related to the agreement between Bangladesh and Russia for the nuclear plant’s construction.
2. Moscow visit was personal – She accompanied her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, to Russia in 2013 but spent most of her time sightseeing and attending a few receptions.
3. Denial of financial misconduct – She has no knowledge of or connection to any alleged embezzlement linked to the project and has not benefited from it in any way.
4. Russian Embassy’s clarification – A Russian Embassy statement from September 2024 dismissed the corruption allegations surrounding the nuclear plant.
5. No £700,000 property from illicit sources – She refuted claims of receiving a property in the UK linked to the project.
6. London property was gifted in 2004 – The property was a personal gift from a longtime family friend, years before the nuclear plant deal was signed.
7. Dhaka property transfer was lawful – She legally transferred ownership of a Dhaka property to her sister in 2015 after being elected as an MP.
8. Purbachal land allegations are false – She never received or attempted to obtain a plot in Purbachal New Town, and no evidence supports this claim.
9. No abuse of political influence – No proof exists that she used her position to secure government land or properties.
Siddiq maintains that the allegations are fabricated and have been deliberately spread to harm her political career.