Tulip Siddiq, a British MP and niece of Sheikh Hasina, faces allegations of financial misconduct relating to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Siddiq’s legal team rejects these claims as false and damaging, stating she had no involvement. The Anti-Corruption Commission asserts their investigation is valid, while Siddiq insists she has no wealth in Bangladesh and that the attacks are unfounded.
Former Labour Minister Tulip Siddiq, niece of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has condemned what she describes as a “targeted and baseless” campaign against her by Bangladeshi authorities. Siddiq’s legal team demands the cessation of damaging allegations related to financial misconduct involving the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, asserting her non-involvement in the project despite her appearance at a 2013 signing ceremony with world leaders.
The legal representatives emphasized that family members commonly accompany heads of state during state visits, dismissing any connections between Siddiq and allegations concerning a £700,000 flat in London. They described these claims as “absurd,” noting that the property was acquired a decade prior to any nuclear agreements. Siddiq’s family background includes her father, a university professor, and her mother, who sought political asylum in the UK as Sheikh Hasina’s sister.
In a statement to the BBC, the chairman of Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Mohammad Abdul Momen, refuted Siddiq’s assertions of a baseless investigation, claiming it was conducted on documentary evidence. He invited Siddiq to defend herself with legal support, challenging her accusations.
This controversy arose from comments by the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh implying Siddiq’s potential involvement in embezzlement related to the Rooppur plant, suggesting her possible summons for questioning. Siddiq’s legal counsel firmly rejected these allegations as unfounded, arguing they were intended to damage her reputation rather than inform a genuine inquiry.
Siddiq’s legal team contended that there is no substantial evidence to support the claims against her and underscored that she possesses no financial assets in Bangladesh. The situation escalated following an ACC media release indicating discoveries of significant financial irregularities involving various officials, implying Siddiq’s complicity through offshore accounts.
Tulip Siddiq is challenging allegations stemming from her alleged misuse of office regarding the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh. Her legal team maintains her innocence, emphasizing that the accusations lack evidence and serve to undermine her reputation. As the controversy continues, Siddiq urges that this campaign against her be put to an end, while the ACC underscores the seriousness of the claims and their evidence-backed investigation.
Original Source: www.newindianexpress.com
