Tulip Siddiq Seeks Meeting with Yunus Over Graft Claims

Former UK City Minister Tulip Siddiq has requested a meeting with Professor Muhammad Yunus during his visit to London, aiming to address what she describes as a “misunderstanding” stemming from corruption allegations made by authorities in Bangladesh.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Dhaka has alleged that Tulip or her mother, Sheikh Rehana, improperly received a 7,200-square-foot plot of land through abuse of power. Tulip has denied the claims, which her legal team describes as “politically motivated and without merit.” She also states that she has never been formally contacted by the ACC.

Tulip resigned from her position in the UK government despite being cleared of wrongdoing by the adviser on ministerial standards. She said her resignation was necessary to avoid becoming a distraction to the new administration.

In a letter to Professor Yunus, Tulip expressed her concern about the impact of the ongoing allegations and asked for a meeting to help clarify the situation. She wrote that the accusations appeared to be based on her family ties, particularly to her aunt, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently facing trial in absentia.

“I am a UK citizen, born in London, and have represented Hampstead and Highgate in Parliament for the past decade,” she wrote. “I have no property or business interests in Bangladesh. The country is dear to my heart, but it is not where I live or work.”

Tulip further claimed that the ACC had refused to engage with her lawyers in London and instead continued sending correspondence to an incorrect address in Dhaka. She expressed frustration that details of the investigation were being regularly shared with the media, while her legal team received no formal communication.

The ACC investigation is part of a broader probe into alleged embezzlement involving Sheikh Hasina and members of her extended family, based on claims made by political opponents. Tulip has maintained that she is being targeted as part of a smear campaign tied to her family’s political background.

She also denied any knowledge of a reported arrest warrant issued in her name and stated she had not been summoned to appear in court. Under UK extradition laws, clear and credible evidence would be required before any legal action could be taken.

Earlier this year, Tulip was cleared of misconduct following a separate inquiry into her finances and presence at a 2013 nuclear agreement signing in Moscow involving Sheikh Hasina and Vladimir Putin. She explained that her visit was personal and unrelated to official business.

In May, UK authorities froze approximately £90 million in London property assets linked to two individuals reportedly associated with Sheikh Hasina’s circle. Tulip has not been directly implicated in those proceedings.

She concluded her letter to Yunus by stressing the importance of protecting her ability to serve her constituents without the distraction of unsubstantiated claims, and asked for his support in ensuring a fair and accurate understanding of the situation.