Tulip Seeks Yunus Talks, No Letter Reached Govt Yet
British MP Tulip Siddiq, former City Minister and niece of ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has reached out to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, seeking a meeting during his upcoming visit to London.
According to The Guardian, her request follows corruption allegations from the interim Bangladeshi administration, which led to her resignation from the UK government.
According to the British news outlet, Tulip sent a letter to Professor Yunus expressing her desire to address the controversy during his visit, which includes meetings with King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
In her letter, Tulip expressed hope that a conversation could "help clear up the misunderstanding perpetuated by the anti-corruption committee in Dhaka that I have questions to answer in relation to my mother's sister, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina."
She emphasized her identity as a British citizen and public servant:
"I am a UK citizen, born in London and representing the people of Hampstead and Highgate in parliament for the last decade.
I have no property nor any business interests whatsoever in Bangladesh. The country is dear to my heart but it is not the country where I was born, live in or have built my career in."
Tulip also mentioned difficulties in communication with Bangladeshi authorities, saying:
"I have sought to clarify this to the ACC but they refuse to engage with my lawyers in London and apparently keep sending correspondence to a random address in Dhaka."
She further stated:
"Every move in this fantasy investigation is briefed to the media, and yet no engagement was facilitated with my legal team.
I know you'll appreciate how important it is to ensure those reports do not become a distraction from the critical work of doing my very best for my constituents and my country."
Tulip, the niece of Sheikh Hasina—who was recently tried in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity committed during her 15-year tenure as Bangladesh’s prime minister—has been accused by Bangladeshi authorities of gaining from her aunt's administration.
Among the allegations reported in the media is a claim by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) that Tulip or her mother unlawfully acquired a 7,200 square foot plot of land through misuse of power and influence.
The ACC's investigation revolves around accusations that Sheikh Hasina and her extended family misappropriated billions from various infrastructure projects. These claims stem largely from testimony by Bobby Hajjaj, a known political rival of the former leader.
Tulip has dismissed the allegations as part of a “politically motivated smear campaign” allegedly driven by her aunt’s opponents.
Replying to a query, Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, said the letter from Tulip had not yet been received officially, noting that government offices have been shut since June 5 due to public holidays.
