UK-based investigators are assessing how they might assist with inquiries into alleged large-scale corruption in Bangladesh, UK-based Sky News reported.
This development follows remarks from Bangladesh’s interim leader, who claimed that Labour MP Tulip Siddiq had “wealth left behind” in the country and “should be held accountable.”
Tulip resigned as Minister for Anti-Corruption in January after being named in corruption investigations launched by Bangladeshi authorities.
A spokesperson for the London MP stated that she “categorically denies the allegations” and has “not been contacted regarding these matters.”
According to Sky News, the International Anti-Corruption Co-ordination Centre (IACCC) is now “exploring opportunities” to support government and law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh in their investigations into grand corruption.
The IACCC, currently hosted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and primarily funded by the UK government, comprises experts and analysts who collaborate with international partners on corruption-related investigations.
NCA personnel visited Bangladesh in October and November as part of initial efforts to assist the country’s interim administration.
However, this exploratory work does not indicate that UK agencies are directly involved in investigations into Ms Siddiq. Sources have also stressed that this should not be interpreted as confirmation that the NCA or IACCC are actively supporting any specific inquiry.
Nonetheless, this development raises the possibility of UK authorities examining whether money allegedly siphoned out of Bangladesh under the previous administration was transferred into the UK.
The allegations against Ms Siddiq are centred on her connections to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who served as Bangladesh’s prime minister for 20 years.
Hasina was forced to flee the country in August following weeks of violent protests. The new administration has since accused her of corruption and criminal activities during her tenure.
Tulip has also been linked to multiple London properties associated with the Awami League, the political party still led by her aunt.
She voluntarily referred herself to the prime minister’s standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, who concluded that he had “not identified evidence of improprieties.” However, he noted it was “regrettable” that Ms Siddiq had not been more mindful of the “potential reputational risks” stemming from her familial ties.
Tulip stated that remaining in her ministerial role would have been “a distraction” for the government, but she maintained that she had done nothing wrong.
Labour sources asserted that Ms Siddiq does not hold an overseas bank account, does not own property abroad, and has not been contacted by authorities in either the UK or Bangladesh.
They further suggested that many of the allegations against the Labour MP were unfounded and that she had become entangled in Bangladesh’s political disputes.
