April 26, 2025 12:07 am
Full News

Ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s Son Denies Graft in $12.65 Billion Nuclear Deal

Reuters – In a strong rebuttal to recent accusations, Sajeeb Wazed, the son and advisor of ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, labeled the allegations of corruption in the awarding of the $12.65 billion nuclear power contract as “completely bogus” and a strategic “smear campaign”. The controversy centers around the 2015 agreement for the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, a project backed by Russia’s state-owned Rosatom.
The Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) announced recently that it had initiated an investigation into claims of corruption, embezzlement, and money laundering connected with this significant nuclear initiative. Specifically, the commission pointed to financial irregularities amounting to approximately $5 billion, allegedly involving Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed, and her niece, Tulip Siddiq, who also serves as the British Treasury Minister. The accusations suggest these funds were channeled through offshore accounts.
In response, Rosatom, which holds the title of the world’s largest supplier of enriched uranium, categorically denied any involvement in corrupt practices. The corporation emphasized its commitment to fighting corruption across all projects and highlighted its transparent procurement practices. In a statement emailed to Reuters, Rosatom declared, “Rosatom State Corporation is ready to defend its interests and reputation in court,” dismissing the media reports as attempts to undermine the Rooppur NPP project. This project, they argued, is crucial for addressing Bangladesh’s energy needs and enhancing the welfare of its citizens.
Tulip Siddiq has remained silent on these allegations, not responding to requests for comment. However, a spokesperson for the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stood by Siddiq, asserting her innocence and confidence in her continuation in her ministerial role.
Sajeeb Wazed, speaking from his residence in Washington, vehemently defended his family, describing the situation as a “political witch hunt”. He elaborated, “These are completely bogus allegations and a smear campaign. My family nor I have ever been involved or taken any money from any government projects.” He emphasized the logistical implausibility of the embezzlement claims, stating, “It is not possible to siphon off billions from a $10 billion project. We also don’t have any offshore accounts. I have been living in the U.S. for 30 years, my aunt and cousins in the UK for a similar amount of time. We obviously have accounts here, but none of us have ever seen that kind of money.”

The whereabouts of Sheikh Hasina have been unclear since she left Bangladesh for New Delhi in early August, following an uprising against her that resulted in numerous casualties. Since her departure, Bangladesh has been under the governance of an interim administration. The government in Dhaka has formally requested India to extradite Hasina back to Bangladesh, with New Delhi acknowledging the request but refraining from further commentary.
Sajeeb Wazed clarified that no decision has been made regarding Hasina’s return to Bangladesh, and there have been no suggestions from New Delhi for her to seek asylum elsewhere. This ongoing saga not only highlights the complex political dynamics in Bangladesh but also raises questions about international involvement and the integrity of large-scale infrastructure projects funded by foreign entities.

Related News
U.S. Airstrike Kills ISIS Operative Amid Rising Syrian Instability
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Responds to Trump’s Threat with Counter Threat
Israel Conducts Largest Attack in Syrian History, Destroys Naval Fleet
Ronaldo’s penalty miss costs Al-Nassr as Cup hopes go up in smoke.
State Department briefing Argument [Video]
North Korea Preparing to Send More Troops to Russia: Seoul
Related Posts
Pakistan Supported Terrorism for the West, Admits Defence Minister
Trump to Propose $100 Billion Arms Deal with Saudi Arabia
UN Chief Urges India and Pakistan to Exercise Restraint
U.S. Secretary of State: Iran Must Abandon Nuclear Program Completely
Jordan Bans Muslim Brotherhood Over Security Concerns
Exchange of Gunfire Between Indian and Pakistani Troops at Kashmir Border
More News

US Official Blames Hamas for Blocking Gaza Ceasefire Efforts

National Security Advisor Sullivan: Hamas Preventing Ceasefire Progress During an interview on CBS, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that Hamas, rather than Israel, is the primary obstacle to achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. Sullivan’s remarks come amid ongoing hostilities and international pressure for a truce. Israel Accused of Ceasefire Blockages Amid Security Demands […]

Devastating Earthquake Leads to Severe Humanitarian Crisis in Myanmar

Myanmar is experiencing one of the most devastating earthquakes in recent decades, with the death toll rising sharply. On Sunday, the country’s military junta reported that 1,700 people have died due to the earthquake, which struck with a magnitude of 7.7. The International Red Cross has stated that a humanitarian crisis has emerged in the […]

North Korea and Russia Ratify Landmark Defense Treaty Amid Reports of North Korean Troops in Ukraine

Mutual Defense Agreement North Korea has formally ratified a significant mutual defense treaty with Russia, as announced by North Korean state media. This treaty, signed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday, marks a new level of military cooperation between the two countries, raising concerns internationally. Details of the Treaty Known as the […]

Putin Issues New Threat to Europe with Revised Nuclear Doctrine and Missile Deployment

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to Europe, escalating concerns of a broader conflict. The Kremlin has updated its nuclear doctrine, now treating any attack on Russian forces from a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear power, such as NATO members aiding Ukraine, as a direct threat warranting nuclear retaliation. This shift […]

Tariffs on Semiconductors Coming Soon: Donald Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that tariffs will soon be imposed on semiconductor imports. A formal declaration on the matter is expected next week. “We want to manufacture chips, semiconductors, and other items in our own country,” said President Trump. When asked whether certain products like smartphones might be exempt, Trump declined to comment […]

Egypt Faces New Crisis Over Trump’s Gaza Occupation Plan

Jordan’s King Abdullah II and U.S. President Donald Trump concluded their meeting on Tuesday amid heightened uncertainty. Trump’s proposal regarding the Gaza Strip has raised widespread concerns. He has suggested bringing Gaza under U.S. control while relocating Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, according to Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera. King Abdullah stated in an informal […]

Bangladeshi Singer Nancy Faces Controversy for Insulting the Father of the Nation

Known for her incredible voice, Nazmun Munira Nancy, a popular Bangladeshi singer, has often been compared to India’s Shreya Ghoshal for her vocal talent. She has gained immense popularity in both audio and cinema platforms, with several super-hit songs under her belt. However, she has become a controversial figure in her personal life, with several […]

Malaysia’s Strong Economy Boosts Ringgit Value

The value of Malaysia’s currency, the ringgit, has risen against the US dollar due to its robust economic condition. Over the past month, the local currency has maintained a strong position, with the central bank keeping interest rates steady. On Wednesday, the ringgit appreciated to 4.43 against the US dollar, a level last seen in […]

Botulism Scare in Sydney Following Unregulated Botox Injections

Three individuals have been hospitalized in Sydney after receiving unregulated anti-wrinkle injections suspected to have caused botulism. NSW Health reported that all affected persons received these cosmetic injections from the same provider at a private residence approximately two weeks ago, leading to serious health consequences. Details of the Incident The health scare unfolded after one […]

Awami League Denounces Fabricated Economic White Paper by Illegal Government

Statement by Bangladesh Awami League Protesting the Fabricated Economic White Paper Published Under the Direction of the Illegal and Unconstitutional Government 1.Introduction of the White Paper: Under the direction of the illegal and unconstitutional fascist Yunus government, an “Economic White Paper” was published in November 2024, titled White Paper on the State of the Bangladesh […]