British anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq announced her resignation on Tuesday after facing scrutiny regarding her financial connections to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as Bangladesh’s prime minister in 2024.
Despite Siddiq’s repeated assertions of innocence, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his unwavering support for her just last week.
This marks the second resignation of a government minister in two months, posing a challenge for Starmer, whose approval ratings have significantly declined since the Labour Party’s victory in the general election last July.
Following the election, Siddiq was appointed to oversee financial services policy, a position that included tackling money laundering issues.
In her resignation letter to Starmer, she indicated that her continued presence in the role could detract from the government’s efforts.
Simultaneously, the government’s ethics adviser communicated to Starmer that while Siddiq had not violated the ministerial code of conduct, it was unfortunate that she did not recognize the potential reputational risks stemming from her family’s close ties to Bangladesh.
“You may want to reflect on her ongoing responsibilities in this context,” he advised.
Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power since 2009, is currently under investigation for alleged corruption and money laundering, although both she and her party deny any wrongdoing.
In a recent statement, Muhammad Yunus, the head of the press office for Bangladesh’s interim government, remarked that while Siddiq might not have fully grasped the origins of certain assets she possessed in London, she is now aware and should ask for forgiveness from the people of Bangladesh.
The government reiterated its dedication to recovering stolen assets for the citizens of Bangladesh, announcing that investigations are ongoing in collaboration with international partners to trace funds linked to corruption.
Siddiq was implicated in December as part of Bangladesh’s inquiry into her family’s potential involvement in misappropriating funds from infrastructure projects in the country.
The anti-corruption commission has accused her of financial misconduct amounting to billions of dollars related to a $12.65 billion nuclear power contract, suggesting that both Hasina and Siddiq may have profited from these dealings.
Other Articles
